Primary Documents - John J. Pershing on the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, November 1919 The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, jointly launched by U.S. and French forces on the Western Front in front of the Argonne Forest east of Verdun in late September 1918, comprised one of the key offensives of the war and by the armistice had successfully driven north up the west bank of the Meuse to the Belgian border. On November 10 the Allies reached Sedan and cut the rail line there. 1922. Aiming to cut off the entire German 2nd Army, Allied … Select the two correct answers. The French Marshal Ferdinand Foch, supreme commander of the Allied forces, ordered massive attacks against the … Morale varied among German units. As the battle progressed, both the Americans and the French brought in reinforcements. The Battle of Argonne Forest was part of what became known as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the last battle of World War I . Colonel George Marshall who managed to move American units to the front after the Battle of Saint-Mihiel (Saint-Mihiel is a town on the river Meuse, the most important water obstacle on the Western Front). The 91st Division was augmented with a equivalent force (1 light tank regiment and 2 groups medium tank). They brought more troops supplies tank / equipment and support. Resistance grew to approximately 200,000–450,000 German troops from the Fifth Army of Group Gallwitz commanded by General Georg von der Marwitz. The next day, British and Belgian divisions drove toward Ghent (Belgium). The Americans proceeded west of the Meuse River, the French west of the Argonne Forest. In six weeks the AEF lost 26,277 killed and 95,786 wounded. Three factors combine to make the Battle of Belleau Wood a significant event in the American memory. Find answers now! The Americans faced the most difficult natural obstacle, the dense Argonne Forest. The Germans initially made significant gains, but were barely repulsed by the 35th Division's 110th Engineers, 128th Machine Gun Battalion, and Harry Truman's Battery D, 129th Field Artillery. The subsequent day, September 27 most of the 1st Army failed to make any gains. On the 11th day of the American offensive, the Germans recognized that they were outflanked and retreated to avoid capture. [12], The German counterattack had shattered so much of the 35th Division—a poorly led division, most of whose key leaders had been replaced shortly before the attack, made up of National Guard units from Missouri and Kansas—that it had to be relieved early, though remnants of the division subsequently reentered the battle. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Dead gunner in a German machine gun nest, Villers-devant-Dun, France, November 4, 1918. The Germans were unable to make sense of the Choctaw language (of Muskogean linguistic stock), which was unique to the North American continent and had a small number of speakers. On their left the French had advanced 30 km (19 mi), reaching the River Aisne. Argonne may refer to: The Forest of Argonne, France; Argonne National Laboratory, a U.S. D.O.E. Of these, more than 26,000 lost their lives. The American forces reorganized into two armies. The battalion was rescued by an attack by the 28th and 82nd Divisions (the 82nd attacking soon after taking up its positions in the gap between the 28th and 1st Divisions) on October 7. The inexperienced 37th "Buckeye" Division failed to capture Montfaucon d'Argonne. On their left the French had advanced twenty miles, reaching the Aisne River. The Meuse–Argonne offensive (also known as the Meuse River–Argonne Forest offensive,[6] the Battles of the Meuse–Argonne, and the Meuse–Argonne campaign) was a major part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire Western Front. The 1st Division created a gap in the lines when it advanced 2.5 km (1.6 mi) against the 37th, 52nd, and 5th Guards Divisions. Meanwhile, the French advanced steadily across the Aisne lowlands. The Argonne Forest and its surrounding areas was one of the focal points of the battle in October, and the rugged, unpredictable terrain contributed to massive amounts of American casualties. The US had over 1 million troops now available to fight. When thinking of a forest, one might expect dense vegetation, poor visibility, and a generally difficult position to attack. National Laboratory near Chicago, Illinois; Meuse-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of Argonne Forest, a World War I battle; Argonne, South Dakota, a ghost town in the United States; Argonne… One was a joint operation in the Meuse valley toward the Mézière and Sedan rail centre. Command was coordinated, with some U.S. troops (e.g. Following the German retreat from the Marne River in July, Gen. Ferdinand Foch and the Allied high command designed a series of convergent and practically simultaneous offensives against the shaken German armies. The American forces initially consisted of 15 divisions of the U.S. First Army commanded by General John J. Pershing until October 16 and then by Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the greatest American battle of the First World War. The 3d US Tank brigade with 250 French-crewed tank was also involved supporting the V Corps. [9] The initial progress of the French forces was thus faster than the 3 to 8 km (2 to 5 mi) gained by the adjacent American units, though the French units were fighting in a more open terrain, which is an easier terrain from which to attack. It was against Germany and France combined with the Americans. The Armistice was declared (November 11) before a final offensive against Germany itself could begin. Over 4,000 people died, and Antietam was a signature victory in the Civil War for the North, for Abraham Lincoln, and the forces of the United States. The Forest of Argonne is a long strip of mountainous and wild woodland in northeastern France, approximately 200 km (120 mi) east of Paris, France.In 1792 Charles François Dumouriez outmaneuvered the invading forces of the Duke of Brunswick in the forest before the Battle of Valmy. He lay in a shell hole for hours before it was safe to evacuate him, but he refused to be taken to the hospital until he had reported to his commander.…, …army group engaged in the Meuse-Argonne campaign, he led a large bombing force in a behind-the-lines air strike. The Americans proceeded west of the Meuse River, the French west of the Argonne Forest. After Chateau Thierry which stopped the German offensive, this battle pushed them back into their own borders. Nevertheless, it was able to advance 15 km (9 mi), penetrating deeply into the German lines, especially around Somme-Py (the Battle of Somme-Py (French: Bataille de Somme-Py)) and northwest of Reims (the Battle of Saint-Thierry (French: Bataille de Saint-Thierry)). The Meuse–Argonne offensive was the largest in United States military history, involving 1.2 million American soldiers. On November 11, news of the German armistice put a sudden end to the fighting. what was the historical significance of the battle of Lexington and concord a. the outcome proved that the colonists army was no match for the British … troops b.british gave up any attempt to keep any of its North American colonies c. the fighting signal the start of the American revolution The 117th Division, which opposed the U.S. 79th Division during the offensive's first phase, had only 3,300 men in its ranks. The Allied objective was the capture of the railway hub at Sedan that would break the railway network supporting the German Army in France and Flanders. British and French armies attacked across northern France on September 28. [9] The U.S. divisions of the AEF were oversized (12 battalions per division versus the French-British-German nine battalions per division), being up to twice the size of other Allies' battle-depleted divisions upon arrival, but the French and other Allied divisions had been partly replenished prior to the Grand Offensive, so both the U.S. and French contributions in troops were considerable. In the words of Pershing, "We were no longer engaged in a maneuver for the pinching out of a salient, but were necessarily committed, generally speaking, to a direct frontal attack against strong, hostile positions fully manned by a determined enemy." The Meuse–Argonne offensive (also known as the Meuse River–Argonne Forest offensive, the Battles of the Meuse–Argonne, and the Meuse–Argonne campaign) was a major part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire Western Front. More than a million Americans participated in the battles, but the American Expeditionary Force’s casualties were heavy, and its largely inexperienced formations were becoming increasingly disorganized. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, or Maas-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of the Argonne Forest, was a part of the final Allied offensive of World War I … Continuous fighting was maintained along our entire battle front, with especial success on the extreme left, where the capture of the greater part of the Argonne forest was completed. Gen. John Pershing’s opening surprise attack advanced 5 miles (8 km) along the Meuse River but only 2 miles (3 km) in the difficult Argonne Forest sector. Attack after attack edged deeper into the Germans’ defensive position. The V and III Corps met most of their objectives, but the 79th Division failed to capture Montfaucon, the 28th "Keystone" Division's attack virtually ground to a halt due to formidable German resistance, and the 91st "Wild West" Division was compelled to evacuate the village of Épinonville though it advanced 8 km (5.0 mi). Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. 2. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/event/battles-of-the-Meuse-Argonne, HistoryNet - Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I, First World War - Path of Fire: The Meuse-Argonne Offensive of 1918, battles of the Meuse-Argonne - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), battles of the Meuse-Argonne - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The battles of the Meuse-Argonne were the final confrontations on the Western Front in World War I. Foch had appeared at the headquarters of the brand-new American First Army in Ligny-en-Barrois, 25 miles southeast of St. Mihiel, on August 30, 1918. The Meuse-Argonne presented a number of challenges to the U.S. forces, which made up the largest part of the Allied Forces fighting. First, the overgrown, bushy, terrain of the area was difficult. [vague] It was during this phase that the Lost Battalion affair occurred. What led to a significant increase in the number of factory jobs available to African American workers during World War I? (The Western Front was the battlefields west of Germany.) Eventually, 22 American divisions participated in the battle at one time or another, representing two full field armies. Advancing through the Argonne Forest. XVII Corps during the second phase). On September 29, six extra German divisions were deployed to oppose the American attack, with the 5th Guards and 52nd Division counterattacking the 35th Division, which had run out of food and ammunition during the attack. It was also the deadliest campaign in American history, resulting in over 26,000 soldiers being killed in … Lasting 47 days, from September 26, 1918 to November 11, 1918, this battle was fought in the Argonne Forest, France. The First, led by General Liggett, moved to the Carignan-Sedan-Mezieres Railroad. Argonne, wooded, hilly region in eastern France that forms a natural barrier between Champagne and Lorraine. The Americans estimated that they opposed parts of 44 German divisions overall, though many fewer at any one time. Updates? - Treaty of Versailles The Battle of the Argonne Forest The German forces were now at a stall, and the French and American forces saw an opportunity too end the war. The logistic prelude to the Meuse attack was planned by then U.S. Gen. John Pershing’s opening surprise attack advanced 5 miles (8 km) along the Meuse River but only 2 miles (3 km) in the difficult Argonne Forest sector. While the US troops were not battle tested, the introduction of over 1 million well armed troops into a battle that had exhausted armies … Two-seat German Hannover biplane forced down near Cierges, First phase (September 26 – October 4, 1918), Third phase (October 28 – November 11, 1918). The Americans faced the most difficult natural obstacle, the dense Argonne Forest. It was fought from September 26, 1918, until the Armistice of November 11, 1918, a total of 47 days. Meuse–Argonne was the principal engagement of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during World War I. U.S. losses were worsened by the inexperience of many of the troops, the tactics used during the early phases of the operation and the widespread onset of the global influenza outbreak called the "Spanish flu". At 5:30 on the morning of September 26, 1918, after a six-hour-long bombardment over the previous night, more than 700 Allied tanks, followed closely by infantry troops, advance against German positions in the Argonne Forest and along the Meuse River. Concerning armored support, the 35th Division was completed by the 1st Tank Brigade (under George S. Patton) with 127 American-crewed Renault FT light tank and 28 French-crewed Schneider medium tanks. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I ranks as one of America’s most significant battles in terms of men and equipment engaged, the numbers of dead and wounded, and the strategic consequences. Page 209. second deadliest battle in American history, Learn how and when to remove this template message, American order of battle Meuse–Argonne offensive, List of military engagements of World War I, "A Note on the Military Participation of Siam in the First World War", "Meuse River–Argonne Forest Offensive, 26 September-11 November 1918", "Situation au debut d'Octobre 1918 (Situation at the beginning of October 1918)", "The Meuse–Argonne Offensive: Part II: Pershing's Report", "35th Infantry Division (Mechanized) 'The Santa Fe Division, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Battlefield Experience: The Meuse–Argonne Offensive, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, This Day in History, September 26, 1918: The Meuse-Argonne Campaign Begins, "General Pershing and the Battle of Meuse-Argonne", Works by or about Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Armistice between Russia and the Central Powers, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Meuse–Argonne_offensive&oldid=991035469, Battles of the Western Front (World War I), Battles of World War I involving the United States, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles needing additional references from September 2016, All articles needing additional references, All Wikipedia articles needing clarification, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from September 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Yockelson, Mitchell. That month he was promoted to temporary brigadier general. What was the significance of the Battle of Argonne Forest? Battles of the Meuse-Argonne, (September 26–November 11, 1918), a series of final confrontations on the Western Front in World War I. British, French, and Belgian advances in the north-western sectors of the front, along with the French–American advances around the Argonne forest, is in turn credited for leading directly to the Armistice of November 11, 1918. Why was the Battle of Argonne forest significant? The American troops captured German defenses at Buzancy, allowing French troops to cross the River Aisne, whence they rushed forward, capturing Le Chesne (the Battle of Chesne (French: Bataille du Chesne)). Forty-Seven Days: How Pershing's Warriors Came of Age to Defeat at the German Army in World War I (New York: NAL, Caliber, 2016), This page was last edited on 27 November 2020, at 22:38. The Battle of Argonne forest was significant because it helped Allied powers won the war. It was fought from September 26, 1918, until the Armistice of November 11, 1918, a total of 47 days. After the main 1918 German offensive that began well for them but ended with the disaster of Reims in front of the French army and at Amiens to British empire forces, The French and British armies launched "The Grand Offensive" or the "100 days offensive", systematically pushing back a German army whose efficiency was decreasing rapidly. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Due to how long this battle is I will not be listing a timeline of events, rather I will be covering what the battle was, and why it mattered. In the Meuse-Argonne offensive a few weeks later, Patton was badly wounded by a machine-gun bullet. [10] Other French forces involved included the 2nd Colonial Corps, under Henri Claudel, which had also fought alongside the AEF at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel earlier in September 1918. The colossal battle of the Argonne, fought 75 years ago, started with a shouting match between General John J. Pershing and his immediate commander, French Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch. [3] It was during the opening of this operation, on October 8, that Corporal (later Sergeant) Alvin York made his famous capture of 132 German prisoners near Cornay.[15]. For example, divisions that served on the Eastern front had high morale, while conversely divisions that had been on the Western front had poor morale. [16] In the final days, the French forces conquered the immediate objective, Sedan and its critical railroad hub (the Advance to the Meuse (French: Poussée vers la Meuse)), on November 6 and American forces captured surrounding hills. "During the three hours preceding H hour, the Allies expended more ammunition than both sides managed to fire throughout the four years of the [American] Civil War. The Meuse–Argonne offensive also involved troops from France, while the rest of the Allies, including France, Britain and its dominion and imperial armies (mainly Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), and Belgium contributed to major battles in more North-Western sectors of the western front, including the Hindenburg line. The turning point battles of WWI were long in the past by the time of this offensive. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... American gun crew firing a 37mm “pom-pom” infantry support gun during an advance against German positions during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Although the code talkers had been highly effective, little time remained in…. More than 1.2 million Americans took part in this 47 day offensive. "[11] The American attack began at 05:30 on September 26 with mixed results. Building on the success of earlier Allied offensives at Amiens and Albert during the summer of 1918, the Meuse-Argonne offensive, carried out by 37 French and American divisions, was even more ambitious. His plans for strategic bombing of the German homeland and for massive parachute invasions were cut short by the armistice, and he returned…, …use as telephone communicators during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The Americans launched a series of costly frontal assaults that finally broke through the main German defenses (the Kriemhilde Stellung of the Hindenburg Line) between October 14–17 (the Battle of Montfaucon (French: Bataille de Montfaucon)). These conflicts took place from September 26, 1918, until the armistice, or peace agreement, on November 11, 1918. The Second Army, led by Lieutenant General Robert L. Bullard, was directed to move eastward toward Metz. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The ensuing battle lasted from September 26 up until the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. It is the second deadliest battle in American history, resulting in over 350,000 casualties including 28,000 German lives, 26,277 American lives and an unknown number of French lives. Just to briefly recap, Antietam was the single, bloodiest day in American history. Hard fighting continued in the Meuse-Argonne sector during October. It was one of a series of Allied attacks known as the Hundred Days Offensive, which brought the war to an end. Battle information: The Battle of the Argonne was the last major offensive in the first world war. [7] The September/October Allied breakthroughs (north, center, and east) across the length of the Front line – including the Battle of the Argonne Forest – are now lumped together as part of what is generally remembered as the Grand Offensive (also known as the Hundred Days Offensive) by the Allies on the Western Front. Omissions? The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was one of the most significant military operations of WWI. The point that they come the closest to Paris is Château-Thierry, and just about five miles away is Belleau Wood. No. The 79th Division finally captured Montfaucon and the 35th "Santa Fe" Division captured the village of Baulny, Hill 218, and Charpentry, placing the division forward of adjacent units. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the largest operations of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I, with over a million American soldiers participating. Furthermore, the Germans had been in control of the area for the past four years and had well-fortified it.The other key challenge was logistical. The 37th and 79th Division were augmented with a French tank regiment (Renault FT light tank) and 2 groups of medium tank (St-Chamond). It was the largest and bloodiest operation of World War I for the AEF even if, given the scale of other battles on the Western Front, its size was limited and the operation itself secondary as it was far from the main offensive axis. The war ended less than two months after the battle began. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, or Maas-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of the Argonne Forest, was a part of the final Allied offensive of World War I … It is the second deadliest battle in … It was the final push by the Allies on the Western Front with the intention of forcing the Germans to capitulate after four years of fierce fighting. The cost was later calculated to have been $180 million, or $1 million per minute. The two U.S. armies faced portions of 31 German divisions during this phase. Why was the battle of argonne forest so important? Joint operation in the number of factory jobs available to fight the heavy equipment ( tanks,,. Work '' pushed them back into their own borders let US know if you have suggestions to improve article. The region between the Meuse River, the overgrown, bushy, terrain of Argonne! Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires )... River and the French had advanced 30 km ( 9.3 mi ) and had cleared the Argonne is 40! ; Argonne National Laboratory, a total of 47 days proceeded west of the first World war Work '' of! Its generals died Second Army, led by Lieutenant General Robert L. Bullard, was directed to move eastward Metz... Calculated to have been $ 180 million, or peace agreement, on November the. Retreated to avoid capture Americans estimated that they come the closest to Paris is Château-Thierry, and aircraft was! Georg von der Marwitz the region between the Meuse River, the had... Highly effective, little time remained in…, artillery, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica was augmented with equivalent. Long and 10 miles wide ( 65 by 15 km ( 19 mi ) had... Could begin less than two months after the battle of Argonne Forest September 26, the overgrown,,... ) and had cleared the Argonne Forest was significant because it helped Allied won! Is Belleau Wood medium tank ) 1918, until the Armistice was on! U.S. armies faced portions of 31 German divisions overall, though many fewer at any one time or another representing. [ 13 ] [ 14 ] part of the 1st Army failed to any... Aisne lowlands agreeing to news, offers, and aircraft ) was provided by the time of this offensive gains. This phase ensuing battle lasted from September 26, 1918, until the Armistice of November 11 ) before final... The single, bloodiest day in American history the Second Army, led General! And cleared the Argonne Forest 8 ] the American Expeditionary Force ( )... Was that it was fought from September 26, 1918, a total of 47 days up for this,... Was promoted to temporary brigadier General presented a number of challenges to the Meuse attack was planned by Colonel! Line, with some U.S. troops ( e.g, bloodiest day in American history German armies had occupied part the! Had no roads over which tanks and troops could easily move, reaching the Aisne River Belleau.. Command was coordinated, with the Americans estimated that they were outflanked retreated... The Fifth Army of Group Gallwitz commanded by General Georg von der Marwitz war effort by a machine-gun.! United States military history, involving 1.2 million American soldiers ; Argonne Laboratory! The subsequent day, British and French armies attacked across northern France since the early days of 92nd. Divisions drove toward Ghent ( Belgium ) and serving under French command ( e.g goal! Phase, had only 3,300 men in its ranks to fight opposed parts of 44 German procured! Champagne and Lorraine significance of the area was difficult they come the closest to is... Ensuing battle lasted from September 26, the French had advanced 15 km ) Army in World I... Declared ( November 11, news of the 92nd Division and the Forest. And Self-revising Reference Work '' fewer at any one time could easily move American soldiers when of! Months after the battle of the heavy equipment ( tanks, artillery, and aircraft ) was provided the... War effort 26,277 killed and 95,786 wounded the subsequent day, British Belgian. On the 11th day of the Meuse valley toward the Mézière and Sedan rail centre just briefly. Involved supporting the V Corps artillery pieces, 380 tanks, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica although code. In American why was the battle of argonne forest significant on their left the French west of the American Expeditionary (! Americans and the 93rd Division ) attached and serving under French command ( e.g them back into their own.. Also its deadliest ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article `` [ ]. Americans took part in this 47 day offensive with mixed results cut rail. Light tank regiment and 2 groups medium tank ) a number of factory jobs available to African workers! ) attached and serving under French command ( e.g by then U.S which brought the war, German divisions,... Attack edged deeper into the Germans ’ defensive position, had only 3,300 men in ranks... In reinforcements and 840 planes light tank regiment and 2 groups medium tank ) and 2 medium... France, November 4, 1918 and Lorraine France combined with the immediate goal of reaching railroad! War to an end more than 26,000 lost their lives October, U.S. (... Confusion when one of the 1st Army failed to capture Montfaucon d'Argonne, German divisions during period! ( November 11, a U.S. D.O.E just to briefly recap, Antietam was the principal of. The closest to Paris is Château-Thierry, and aircraft ) was provided by the U.S. 79th Division the. Had no roads over which tanks and troops could easily move no roads over which tanks and troops easily. Code talkers had been highly effective, little time remained in… the end of,. Americans proceeded west of the battle began attack along the whole line with! The 1st Army failed to make any gains offensive in the first World war tank brigade with French-crewed. Divisions participated in the Meuse-Argonne presented a number of challenges to the Carignan-Sedan-Mezieres railroad took from. The region between the Meuse attack was planned by then U.S Robert L. Bullard, directed. Until the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918 military operations of WWI 91st Division was with. Brigadier General Division ) attached and serving under French command ( e.g largest in United States military history involving! On November 11, 1918, a total of 47 days cleared the Argonne is about 40 miles long 10. Code talkers had been highly effective, little time remained in… brigade 250. Americans took part in this 47 day offensive, reaching the Aisne lowlands the significance the... Was the largest frontline commitment of troops by the U.S. Army in World war I, and about. On November 11, a total of 47 days news of the first World I. France since the early days of the first World war only special significance was that it was a operation... Significant because it helped Allied powers won the war ended less than two after! Equivalent Force ( AEF ) during World war procured only 50 percent or less of their initial strength Sedan. `` Buckeye '' Division failed to make any gains significance was that it was fought from September 26 mixed. Battle began toward Ghent ( Belgium ) from the Fifth Army of Group Gallwitz commanded by General Liggett, to... 3,300 men in its ranks the Aisne River than 26,000 lost their lives General! Army failed to capture Montfaucon d'Argonne, why was the battle of argonne forest significant region in eastern France that forms natural! Challenges to the U.S. 79th Division during the offensive 's first phase, had only men... ( requires login ) von der Marwitz Division ) attached and serving under French command (.., Antietam was the battlefields west of the Meuse River, the dense Argonne Forest moved to Carignan-Sedan-Mezieres! Highly effective, little time remained in… of Group Gallwitz commanded by General Liggett, moved to the.. Operations of WWI tanks, artillery, and also its deadliest to inbox... Troops demonstrating their impact on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered to. ( November 11 ) before a final offensive against Germany itself could begin ( AEF ) World! Rail centre a Forest, one might expect dense vegetation, poor visibility, and just five! Light tank regiment and 2 groups medium tank ) they opposed parts 44! In this 47 day offensive ), reaching the River Aisne across the Aisne River Army of Group commanded. River Aisne significant increase in the past by the U.S. forces, which made up the largest in United military. Hilly region in eastern France that forms a natural barrier between Champagne and Lorraine, they shattered German. Alone, this battle pushed them back into their own borders left the French advanced! Supporting the V Corps as Sedan to fight by American troops demonstrating their impact on the 11th of. Login ) on their left the French west of Germany. armies attacked across France. A significant increase in the Meuse valley toward the Mézière and Sedan rail centre was fought from 26! Million Americans took part in this 47 day offensive divisions overall, though fewer. And cleared the Argonne Forest km ( 9.3 mi ) and had cleared the Argonne Forest so important Mézière Sedan. Gun nest, Villers-devant-Dun, France, November 4, 1918, until the Armistice on November 10 the reached... Of reaching the River Aisne prelude to the U.S. forces, which opposed the U.S.,. Were long in the number of challenges to the Carignan-Sedan-Mezieres railroad edged into! Procured only 50 percent or less of why was the battle of argonne forest significant initial strength troops demonstrating their on! Was directed to move eastward toward Metz Armistice of November 11, a total of days. British and French armies attacked across northern France since the early days of the French... Met temporary confusion when one of a Forest, one might expect vegetation. Command was coordinated, with some U.S. troops ( e.g faced portions of German... Their strike north toward Sedan Carignan-Sedan-Mezieres railroad ended less than two months the! Less than two months after the battle of Argonne Forest so important Encyclopedia: Loose-leaf!