Not-so-Failing Junior Partner: Re-examining the AEF's Chemical Warfare Experience before and during the German Spring Offensives

Abstract

This study, using the revisionist critique of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), reopens the issue of US involvement in the ever-engaging field of World War I chemical warfare. It disputes revisionist claims of a lack of US preparedness and insufficient frontline effectiveness, through the concepts of effectiveness and efficiency. After examining the organisation and the decisions concerning research, production and protection from new CW agents, it discusses the four AEF combat episodes on the Western Front during the German spring 1918 offensives. While revisionist critique has a strong rationale, it needs to be examined on a case-by-case basis using often untapped archival sources.