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American History Tellers

World War I | "Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken" | 5

May 1, 2024
Author and history professor Christopher Capozzola discusses the training of US soldiers in World War I, using old weapons and broomsticks as rifles. He talks about the recruits' journey from Hoboken to Europe to aid French and British forces. The podcast delves into the making of the modern American citizen through wartime experiences.
38:58

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Quick takeaways

  • World War I led to the rapid expansion and modernization of the US military, laying the groundwork for its current structure and preparedness for global conflicts.
  • Recruits in World War I endured hasty training using improvised weapons before embarking from Hoboken, New Jersey, to support exhausted allies in Europe.

Deep dives

The Lost Battalion's Struggle

Trapped in the Argonne Forest, Major Whittlesey's Lost Battalion faced dire circumstances, surrounded by Germans and bombarded by their own artillery. Using carrier pigeons, notably Cher Ami, they signaled for the shelling to cease, displaying remarkable resilience and fortitude during the intense five-day ordeal.

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