Topics in Kansas History: War

Essay on World War I

The Great War in Europe broke out in 1914, but it was nearly three years before the U. S. became involved. In the meantime, the country had problems closer to home. Revolutionary upheaval in Mexico led to military action in that country and along America's southern border. Kansas troops were called to active duty and served on the Mexican border in 1916.

The U. S. declared war on the Central Powers-- Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey--in April 1917. Within a year and a half, 3 million Americans were under arms and 1 million saw duty overseas. About 80,000 Kansans enlisted, most of them in the 35th, the 42nd, the 89th, and the 92nd infantry divisions.

Camp Funston, on the Fort Riley military reservation, served as a major training center for World War I troops.

A career army officer with a distinguished record of service, Major General Wood took command of the training center at Camp Funston in 1917.

The 35th Infantry Division was made up of National Guard troops primarily from Kansas and Missouri.

Most American troops arrived in France in the spring of 1918, just in time to serve as reserves in the St. Mihiel offensive. Their first major action, however, came in the bloody Meuse-Argonne campaign which broke the German resistance. These four Kansans, and many others, were a part of that important action.

The 89th or "Middle West" Division was composed of troops from Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado. Here General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, decorates the standard of a Kansas battalion.

Salina native George Robb was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism displayed during the Meuse-Argonne action of September 1918. One other Kansan, Erwin R. Bleckley of Wichita, was posthumously awarded this high honor.

James Harbord of Manhattan rose to the rank of major general during the First World War. He served as chief of staff for the AEF, commanded the Second Division in the field during the summer offensive of 1918, and finished the war as Commander of Service and Supply. In the latter capacity, the general accomplished a vital and difficult assignment --getting adequate supplies to the thousands of soldiers fighting at the front. General Harbord's outstanding wartime service led to many decorations and honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal.

On the homefront, people contributed to the war effort in many different ways.

Kansas farm production was vital to the war effort. With thousands of men leaving the farm to serve in the armed forces, farm labor often came from non-traditional sources.

Back to Topics in Kansas History: War: World War I.