Figure 1.--Here an American Dougboy makes a friend. There were extensive contcts with French civilians, in part because many Doughboys were billited with French families. |
|
Building Army bases for World War I soldiers was a major constryction effort in the United States given the numberr of men drafted and the urgency of the situation. This was possible because of the huge American economy, still largely nsffected by the War. This level of construction was not possible in World War I France. France was not entirely overun by the Germans in World War I. Thus the AEF landed in France not Britain as in in World War II. Very few Doughboys went to Britain. Billeting for the AEF was very different than would be the case for the U.S. Army in Britain during World War II. The Americans in Britains were billeted and trained in bases and did not integrated with the civilian population. Barracks were built and there was very little day to day contact with the British people. Soldiers could not leave these base without permission. The situation was very different for the AEF in France. There were American bases, but many American soldiers were billited in French villages and lived with the French population. The World War I Doughboys had a level of intimacy with the local population, unlike World War II GIs. There are countless descriptions in the letters home. A good example is, "Many many customs differ from those in the States but we are all trying to adjust ourselves to circumstances and at the same time pick up a little French. In fact I get right out among the French for I find that is the best way to learn the language a wee bit. At present I know two of the nicest kiddies across the river, a little lad of thirteen, but small for his age, and a demoiselle of eleven years. I had them out to a movie show one night and they enjoyed themselves immensely. There I carry them little dainties such as candy, gum, chocolate bars etc., such as can not be obtained by the French people in France. Another comerade and I almost consider them our proteges. There are any numbers of little French children here who have been adopted by different companies who pay so much a month for their care. It is a very common sight to see some little fellow about 7 or 8 years dressed in a wee U.S. army outfit complete even to leggings." [Wagner]
Navigate the CIH World War I Section:
[Return to Main AEF French civilian page]
[Return to Main AEF page]
[About Us]
[Aftermath]
[Alliances]
[Animals]
[Armistace]
[Biographies]
[Causes]
[Campaigns]
[Casualties]
[Children]
[Countries]
[Declaration of war]
[Deciding factors]
-------[Diplomacy]
[Economics]
-------[Geo-political crisis]
[Home front]
[Intelligence]
[Military forces]
[Neutrality]
[Pacifism]
[People]
[Peace treaties]
[Propaganda]
[POWs]
[Russian Revolution]
[Terrorism]
[Trench warfare]
------[Technology]
[Weaponry]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Return to Main World War I page]
[Return to Main war essay page]
[Return to CIH Home page]