In June 1917, the United States Army began deploying the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) to France, in response to the increasing demands of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson had initially sought to keep the nation neutral, but as the conflict escalated and Germany's unrestricted submarine campaign threatened American lives and commerce, public sentiment shifted towards intervention. The AEF was led by General John J. Pershing, who emphasized the importance of American forces fighting as an independent army rather than as reinforcements to existing Allied units. This strategy was influenced by the desire to maintain American identity within the predominantly British and French armies. The AEF's arrival in France was met with enthusiasm and marked a turning point in the war. Troops were sent to various training camps to prepare for combat, but their first significant involvement would occur in the Battle of Hamel on July 4, where American forces played a critical role alongside Australian units, marking the first major coordinated assault involving American troops and significant artillery support. This battle highlighted America's renewed military capabilities and resolve against the Central Powers, significantly elevating the Allied morale.