What Was the Forgotten War?
The forgotten war, also known as the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Siberia, was a military conflict that took place during World War I. It lasted from August 1918 to April 1920, and was fought between American troops and the Bolshevik Red Army in Siberia, Russia.
Background of the Forgotten War
The United States entered World War I in April 1917, following the sinking of the passenger ship Lusitania by a German U-boat. American troops arrived in Europe in June 1917 and played a significant role in the war, particularly during the Allied victory in France. However, the Allied victory did not bring about a swift end to hostilities on the Eastern Front.
The Bolshevik Revolution had taken place in Russia in October 1917, and the new Soviet government, led by Vladimir Lenin, withdrew from the war effort. This left a power vacuum in Siberia, where anti-Bolshevik forces, known as the White Army, began to form. The White Army was composed of various groups, including aristocrats, officers, and civilians who opposed the Bolsheviks and sought to restore the pre-revolutionary order.
The Start of the Forgotten War
In June 1918, Germany and the new Soviet government signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which marked the end of Russia’s participation in World War I. The treaty also enabled Germany to focus its efforts on the Western Front and launch a series of surprise attacks, known as the Kaiserschlacht or "Spring Offensive".
In response, the United States and Great Britain agreed to send military forces to Siberia to support the White Army and prevent a German advance on the Russian Far East. The first American troops, known as the North Russian Expeditionary Force (NREF), arrived in Archangel, a city on the White Sea, in August 1918.
The War in Siberia
The war in Siberia was characterized by a series of skirmishes and battles between American troops and the Bolshevik Red Army. The Red Army, led by Commander Alexander Kolchak, was determined to consolidate its power and eliminate opposition in Siberia.
In September 1918, American forces, led by Major General William H. D. Phillips, clashed with Red Army forces near Vologda, a city in central Siberia. The fighting was fierce, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
The Role of the United States
The role of the United States in the forgotten war was limited. American troops were dispatched to Siberia to prevent a German advance and support the White Army, rather than to engage in direct combat with the Bolsheviks. However, the arrival of American forces in Siberia helped to boost morale among the White Army and contributed to a series of military successes against the Red Army.
The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Siberia
The AEF in Siberia was composed of several divisions, including the 31st Infantry Division and the 16th and 13th Infantry Brigades. The AEF was commanded by Lieutenant General William R. Shafter, who oversaw the deployment of troops and equipment to Siberia.
The AEF was equipped with modern military hardware, including tanks, planes, and artillery. The troops were also well-trained and disciplined, having undergone rigorous training in the United States before deployment.
The Impact of the Forgotten War
The forgotten war had a significant impact on the United States and its relationship with Russia. The conflict helped to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to supporting its allies and contributing to global stability.
Timeline of the Forgotten War
Date | Event |
---|---|
August 1918 | American troops arrive in Siberia |
September 1918 | Battle of Vologda takes place |
October 1918 | Red Army captures Vologda |
1919 | American troops engage in battle with Red Army near Ufa |
April 1920 | American troops begin to withdraw from Siberia |
Conclusion
The forgotten war, also known as the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia, was a military conflict that took place during World War I. The war was fought between American troops and the Bolshevik Red Army in Siberia, Russia, and lasted from August 1918 to April 1920.
The forgotten war was characterized by a series of skirmishes and battles between American troops and the Red Army, and the conflict played a significant role in the development of United States’ foreign policy during the 20th century.
Key Points
• The forgotten war was a military conflict that took place during World War I between American troops and the Bolshevik Red Army in Siberia, Russia.
• The war lasted from August 1918 to April 1920 and was fought between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• The United States entered the war in response to a request from the British and French governments to support anti-Bolshevik forces in Siberia.
• American troops engaged in a series of battles against the Red Army, including the Battle of Vologda and battles near Ufa.
• The conflict helped to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to supporting its allies and contributing to global stability.
• The forgotten war played a significant role in the development of United States’ foreign policy during the 20th century.