World War I Historic Reference Book Now Available on ABMC.gov
After the Great War ended in November 1918, the identity of the United States changed both domestically and internationally. No longer an isolationist nation, the United States had taken a new role in world affairs and U.S. national leaders understood the critical need to honor the veterans and the fallen who helped shape this new identity. ABMC was created in 1923 to manage the country’s overseas, World War I cemeteries and memorials, and part of the agency’s work included the writing and publishing of “American Armies and Battlefields in Europe: A History, Guide and Reference Book.”
A massive undertaking at the time, this nearly 600 page book was first published in 1927 to commemorate America’s involvement into World War I. Originally titled “A Guide to the American Battle Fields in Europe,” the book served as a guide for Americans traveling overseas to visit World War I battle sites, cemeteries and memorials.
By 1938, the book was expanded with additional research to serve as a history of the American Expeditionary Forces’ accomplishments. Among the contributing authors was Maj. Dwight D. Eisenhower who was assigned to ABMC by the Army in the 1920’s. The expanded volume was then retitled “American Armies and Battlefields in Europe: A History, Guide and Reference Book.”
Considered one of the most comprehensive, historic books detailing American involvement in the war, this resource is now available on the ABMC website in a fully searchable, free PDF document. The digitization of the 1938 volume and its accompanying maps was completed in concert with the Virginia Tech Office of Digital Imaging and Archiving.
With more than 100,000 American deaths suffered during U.S. involvement, this war remains a defining factor of how the United States evolved as a nation during the 20th century. Keeping true to Gen. John J. Pershing’s original promise, “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds,” ABMC will continue to bring new resources, such as this book, to the public for a richer understanding of World War I.
Created to be a robust World War I learning aid, this digital version of the book includes more than 90 maps and sketches detailed throughout 15 sections.
Full Version of Book:
*Due to the size of this original document, we’ve presented “American Armies and Battlefields in Europe” in both its full format, and then by individual sections and major maps. Downloading the fully, searchable PDF will take a few minutes.
Book Sections:
- The World War to May 28, 1918 and the Organization of the American Expeditionary Forces
- American Operations in the Aisne-Marne Region
- American Operations in the St. Mihiel Region
- American Operations in the Meuse-Argonne Region
- American Operations in the Champagne Region
- American Battlefields North of Paris
- American Operations on the Vosges Front
- American Operations in Italy and Northern Russia
- The Services of Supply
- Operations of the United States Navy in the World War
- American Military Cemeteries in Europe
- American World War Memorials in Europe Erected by the United States Government
- After the Armistice
- Interesting Facts and General Information Concerning the American Expeditionary Forces
- Miscellaneous
*Be aware that the individual section files do not maintain all the accessibility of the full formatted document.
Major Maps:
- American Operations in the St. Mihiel Region, September 12-November 11, 1918
- American Operations in the Aisne-Marne Region, May 31-October 12, 1918
- The Meuse Argonne Offensive of the American First Army, September 26-November 11, 1918
- France
- American Battle Operations in the Aisne-Marne Region
- American Battle Operations in the St. Mihiel Region
- American Battle Operations in the Meuse-Argonne Region
- American Battle Operations in the Champagne Region
About ABMC:
Established in 1923 by Congress, ABMC is a small, U.S. government agency charged with commemorating the service, achievements and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed forces. ABMC administers our nation’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and federal memorials. For more information visit www.abmc.gov, or connect with us on Facebook, Youtube or Instagram.