HIST1302
11/10/19
Thesis: In his book “The Doughboys” Gary Mead tries to redress the balance of history by
reinstating the vital importance of the American contribution to the defeat of the Central
Powers in World War I in November 1918. Many British and French history books downplay the
importance of America’s intervention in the War. Mead wants to “remind” historians of the
importance of America joining the War.
Evidence #1: In his diary American General Robert Bullard comments on the lack of offensive
spirit of the French soldiers when he and the American soldiers arrived at the trenches: “ The
French count on nothing else than purely trench warfare. Plainly they show that they consider
their part of the offensive of this war as done. Without saying, they seem to feel that they have
done their part, and expect others to carry on the war when any carrying on is to be done.”
Clearly Bullard believes that the French are done trying to force the Germans out of their
nation.
Evidence #2: This is a photograph showing some of the German dead as a result of a battle
against American forces. (show photograph.) Mead mentions that there hundreds of
photographs such as these which shows the effect of the American doughboys joining the
Allies in battle.
Evidence #3: In June of 1918 the Germans try an offensive with the objective of getting to Paris.
At one point in the offensive they will run into the First Battalion Fifth Marines. Many times
during this battle French generals order the outnumbered Marines to retreat however Marine
captain Lloyd Williams replies with the famous quote “Retreat? Hell, we just got here.” Taking
huge casualties the Marines are able to stop the German advance. The Marines made such an
impression on the French generals that the French awarded the Marines a French medal (read
Pvt. Malcolm Aitken letter on page 250.) The French believed that were it not for the Marine
s they might have lost Paris.
Conclusion: Based on the huge amount of evidence that Gary Mead makes available in his work
“The Doughboys” I believe he did indeed prove his thesis. He did this by using timely and
factual evidence which he cites throughout the novel. When you also look at the actions of the
Doughboys once they arrive in France they were making a noble effort at ending a war that still
today results in some of the highest casualty rates in human history. They bring an ethical end
to a war that the German poet George Heym’s pre-war wish that “If only there were a war,
even a short one, this peace is so rotten. The popularity of the American doughboys can be
attested to by the great numbers of statues not only in the United States, but also in Europe.