Explore Documents about the First World War

Published: November 8, 2018

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In commemoration of the WWI centennial

As we commemorate the centennial of the armistice that ended hostilities in World War I, you can learn more about the war and the armistice on govinfo.

Map of major defensive operations for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

The United States Army in the World War, 1917-1919 is now available. Published in 1948, this 17 volume set compiles key documents, maps, and records for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) from the start of the American involvement in World War I through the occupation of Germany.

In Volume 10 you can read the text of the telegram announcing the armistice (PDF p. 66) sent to the headquarters of the American Expeditionary Forces.

Other documents in the publication focus on:

  • Formation and organization of the American Expeditionary Forces (volumes 1 and 2);
  • Training and use of American units in the British and French armies (volume 3);
  • Various military operations, including the Meuse-Argonne (volumes 4-9);
  • Armistice and American occupation of Germany (volume 10);
  • Reports of the Commander-in-chief, AEF (volumes 12-15); and
  • Bulletins from the general headquarters of the AEF (volumes 16-17).

The United States Army in the World War, 1917-1919 offers an interesting glimpse into the organization and operations of the AEF through primary source documents.


First page of the text of President Wilson's address to Congress as printed in the Bound Congressional Record

Additional insight into the war is available through the digitized Congressional Record (Bound).

You can read the announcement of the armistice (PDF p. 989) by President Wilson to a joint meeting of Congress. The address, delivered at 12:50 pm on November 11, 1918, is in bound Congressional Record for the 56th Congress (volume 56, part 11).

How did the United States enter the war in 1917? The debates and vote on the declaration of war are available in the bound Congressional Record for the 55th Congress (volume 55, part 1).


Related Resources

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