African American military history
During world war1, a large part of Africa was affected either directly or indirectly. France were leaders in the use of African soldiers in the theatres of war. The North African solders had initially served various wars, including; Italian war (1859), Crimean war 1854/1856, and the German- France war of 1870. The experience in these wars raised their profile and hence increased their use in subsequent battles. Contrary, African American military history can be traced back to the arrival of slaves in the United States. They have continued to serve in the Army till the present day. They fought in every war within the country, including the Civil War, the American-Mexican war, and the American-Spanish war.
A significant distinguishing factor between the experience of colonial soldiers from West Africa and the African American Soldiers in the US army is their mode of recruitment. Most of the West African soldiers in the French Army were forced into service by their masters. Adolphe Messimy, a radical politician, signed a petition extension in 1905 that allowed forced recruitment to be used in case there were no enough volunteers. In 1909, Charles Mangin, a senior colonial campaigned for the recruitment of a black army in West Africa. The Army was trained cruelly using and made to do hard exercises. They were also taught combat methods and the use of weapons. Mangin believed West Africans were suited to be shock troops because they were immune to battle noise.
The recruitment process for African Americans was mainly voluntary. During World War 1, a large number of African-Americans showed up for the draft. They were enthusiastic because they wanted to prove their loyalty and love for their country. It was also an opportunity for them to express their desire to get more rights at home. The society at the time was segregated, and African Americans considered second class citizens. Initially, only the whites were allowed into the Army. When the USA declared war on Germany in 1917, they discovered they had a shortage of soldiers and made the draft open to anyone.
Another significant experience for West Africans was their position in battles. The Africans were made to occupy hot spots in battles that the French soldiers considered dangerous. They were at the front line of every battle. They were the first to die in case of an attack. The French solders made the Africans protect them their lives. In 1918, there was a speech delivered to the senate by Clemenceau suggesting it was preferable for ten black soldiers to die instead of one Frenchman. The French considered Africans as objects of war and did not value their lives.
In the Us Army, African Americans were mostly allocated noncombat roles. After the government establishing Bureau for the Black Troops in 1863, the African Americans mainly recruited served at the infantry and artillery. During the battle, they were used as scouts, nurses, and spies. They were rarely given any combat training and not allowed into leadership roles. It is because they were considered illiterate. In the present time, African Americans have equal opportunities as whites to participate in the Army.
In conclusion, Africans have played a significant role in both the French ar and the US army. There was a difference in how these two countries recruited Africans into their Army. West Africans were mostly forced into the French Army while the African Americans volunteered to join. West Africans were also placed at battlefronts and directly participated in wars, while African Americans were given more noncombat roles.