The World's Greatest War: The Triumph of America's Army and Navy - Peace Treaty Edition

Front Cover, The World's Greatest War, Peace Treaty Edition: The Triumph of America's Army and Navy, 1919.

Front Cover, The World's Greatest War, Peace Treaty Edition: The Triumph of America's Army and Navy, 1919. GGA Image ID # 17e07c11ee

The Peace Treaty Edition By Thomas Herbert Russell, A.M., LL.D. Profusely Illustrated. Black and White Photographs; 6" x 9"; 642 pages. Copyright 1919. Associate Editors William Dunseath Eaton and Hon. James Martin Miller Former United States Consul to France.

This Volume Also Includes:

  • Official Story of American Operations in France by General John J. Pershing Commander-in-Chief, A. E. F.
  • Chronology of American Operations in Europe by General Peyton C. March Chief of Staff, U. S. Army Together with The Story of the Marines and American Naval Operations in European Waters by Hon. Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy and Naval Battles of the War by Admiral William S. Sims, USN
  • With Special Summary of Our War Activities from Official Report By Hon. Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War

Synopsis

The world’s greatest war; a thrilling story of the most sanguinary struggle of all the ages, its battles and strategy; with a concise account of the causes that led the nations of Europe into the awful conflict, by Thomas Herbert [pseud.] ... Special chapters by Hon. James Martin Miller... Exciting personal experiences from the bloodstained Battlefields of Europe; over 100 actual photographs, maps and authentic drawings.

Preface

With the signing of an armistice November 11, 1918, by the plenipotentiaries of the nations at war, active hostilities were halted while the sweeping terms of the truce were being complied with by Germany.

The collapse of the Teutonic forces came with a suddenness that was surprising, and the collapse was complete. The German army and navy ceased to be a menace to the civilized world—and all civilization rejoiced with an exceeding great joy.

Remarkable events in the world’s history followed with amazing rapidity, and are duly recorded in all their interesting details in these pages.

The flight and abdication of the Kaiser ; the abject surrender of the German high seas fleet and submarines to the British Grand Fleet and its American associates; the withdrawal of the defeated German armies from Belgium and France; the return of the French flag to Alsace and Lorraine; the occupation of Metz, Strassburg, Cologne, and Coblenz by Allied and American forces, and the memorable entry of Belgian troops as conquerors into Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen) ; the sailing of the President of the United States to take part in the Peace Conference—all these events and many others form part of the marvelous record of the recent past, furnishing material that has never been equaled for the use of the historian.

Now the eyes of all America are turned to the eastern horizon, and would fain scan the wide waters of the Atlantic, on the watch for the home-coming heroes of the great conflict.

A million young Americans are coming home—but a million more will stay abroad awhile, to safeguard the fruits of victory and insure the safety of the world.

Truly the story of their achievements, in permanent form, should find a place in every American home, for in the words of General Pershing, their great commander: “Their deeds are immortal and they have earned the eternal gratitude of their country.”

T. H. R.

Table of Contents

  • President Wilson's War Message
  • I. Why We Went to War: Review of America’s Good Reasons for Fighting—Memories of Beautiful France—Why I Was Not Accepted as Consul to Germany—Why We Went to War—Work or Fight—Rationing the Nations, by Hon. James Martin Miller, Former U. S. Consul to France—What the Yankee Dude’ll Do.
  • II. United States Enters the War: The President Proclaims War — Interned Ships Are Seized— Congress Votes $7,000,000,000 for War — Enthusiasm in the United States—Raising an American Army—War to Victory, Wilson Pledge — British and French Commission Reaches America—American Troops in France.
  • III. Americans at Château Thierry: Personal Accounts of Battle — Gas and Shell Shock — Marines Under Fire—Americans Can Fight and Yell—Getting to the Front Under Difficulties — The Big Day Dawns — The Shells Come Fast—A Funeral at the Front—Impression of a French Lieutenant—Keeping the Germans on the Run.
  • IV. American Victory at St. Mihiel: First Major Action by All American Army — Stories to Folks Back Home—Huns Carry Off Captive Women—Hell Has Cut Loo se—Major Tells His Story—Enormous Numbers of Guns and Tanks—Over the Top at 5:30 A. M.—Texas and Oklahoma Troops Fight in True Banger Style—Our Colored Boys Win Credit.
  • V. The War in the Air: Air Craft — Liberty Motors and Air Service — The Danger of Aviation—Air Plane’s Tail Shot Off—Champions of the Air— Lieut. Lehr’s Personal Stories of Air Fighting at the Front— American Aviator Grabs Iron Cross as Souvenir—Eyes of the Army Always Open.
  • VI. Causes of the World War and How War Was Declared
  • VII. Invasion of Belgium: Belgians Bush to Defense of Their Frontier—Towns Bombarded and Burned—The Defense of Liège—Destruction of Louvain— Fall of Namur—German Proclamation to Inhabitants. Surrender of Brussels: Belgian Capital Occupied by the Germans Without Bloodshed—Important Part Played by American Minister Brand Whitlock—March of the Kaiser’s Troops Through the City—Belgian Forces Retreat to Antwerp—Dinant and Termonde Fall
  • VIII. Britain Raises an Army: Earl Kitchener Appointed Secretary for War—A New Volunteer Army—Expeditionary Force Landed in France— Field Marshal Sir John French in Command—Colonies Rally to Britain’s Aid—The Canadian Contingent—Indian Troops Called For—Native Princes Offer Aid.
  • IX. Early Battles of the War: Belgian Resistance to the German Advance—The Fighting at Vise, Haelen, Diest, Aerschot and Tirlemont—Mons and Charleroi the First Great Battles of the War—Allies Make a Gallant Stand, but Forced to Retire Across the French Border.
  • X. German Advance on Paris: Allies Withdraw for Ten Days, Disputing Every Inch of Ground with the Kaiser’s Troops—-Germans Push Their Way Through France in Three Main Columns—Official Reports of the Withdrawing Engagements—Paris Almost in Sight.
  • XI. Battle of the Marne: German Plans Suddenly Changed—Direction of Advance Swings to the Southeast When Close to the French Capital —Successful Resistance by the Allies—The Prolonged Encounter at the Marne—Germans Retreat, with Allies in Hot Pursuit for Many Miles.
  • XII. The Russian Campaign: Blow Mobilization of Troops—Invasion of German and Austrian Territory—Cossacks Lead the Van—Early Successes in East Prussia—“On to Berlin”—Heavy Losses Inflicted on Austrians—German Troops Rushed to the Defense of the Eastern Territory.
  • XIII. The Austro-Servian Campaign: Declaration of War by Austria—Bombardment of Belgrade —Servian Capital Removed—Seasoned Soldiers of Servia Give a Good Account of Themselves—Many Indecisive Engagements—Servians in Austrian Territory.
  • XIV. Stories from the Battlefield: Thrilling Incidents of the Great War Told by Actual Combatants—Personal Experiences from the Lips of Survivors of the World 's Bloodiest Battles—Tales of Prisoners of War, Wounded Soldiers, and Refugees Rendered Homeless in the Blighted Arena of Conflict—Hand-to- Hand Fighting—Frightful Mortality Among Officers— How It Feels to Be Wounded—In the Valley of Death —A Belgian Boy Hero—A British Cavalry Charge— Spirit of French Women—In the Paris Military Hospital —German Uhlans as Scouts—How a German Prince Died —Fearful State of Battlefields.
  • XV. The Mystery of the Fleets: Movements of British Battleships Veiled in Secrecy—German Dreadnoughts in North Sea and Baltic Ports—Activity of Smaller Craft—English Keep Trade Routes Open —Several Minor Battles at Sea.
  • XVI. Submarines and Mines: Battleships in Constant Danger from Submerged Craft— Opinions of Admiral Sir Percy Scott—Construction of Modern Torpedoes—How Mines Are Laid and Exploded on Contact.
  • XVII. Aero-Military Operations: Aerial Attacks on Cities—Some of the Achievements of the Airmen in the Great War—Deeds of Heroism and Daring —Zeppelins in Action—Their Construction and Operation.
  • XVIII. Battle of the Aisne: Most Prolonged Encounter in History Between Gigantic Forces—A Far-Flung Battle Line—Germans Face French and British in the Aisne Valley and Fight for Weeks— Armies Deadlocked After a Desperate and Bloody Struggle.
  • XIX. Fall of Antwerp: Great Seaport of Belgium Besieged by a Largo Gorman Force—Forts Battered by Heavy Siege Guns—Final Surrender of the City—Belgian and British Defenders Escape —Exodus of Inhabitants—Germans Reach the Sea.
  • XX. The Wounded and Prisoners: Typical Precautions Used by the German Army—The Soldier’s First-Aid Outfit—System in Hospital Arrangements—How Prisoners of War Are Treated—Regulations Are Humane and Fair to All Concerned.
  • XXI. Horrors of the War: Plan to Send Santa Claus Gifts From America to War- Stricken Children of Europe—A Widespread Response— Movement Indorsed by Press, Pulpit and Leading Citizens —Approved by Governments of Contending Nations.
  • XXII. Later Events of the War: Results of the Battle of the Rivers—Fierce Fighting in Northern France—Developments on the Eastern Battle Front—The Campaign in the Pacific—Naval Activities of the Powers.
  • XXIII. Sinking of the Lusitania: Torpedoed by a Submarine—Crisis in German-American Relations—The Diplomatic Exchanges.
  • XXIV. A Summer of Slaughter: Submarine Activities—Horrors in Serbia—Bloody Battles East and West—Italy Declares War and Invades Austria —Russians Pushed Back in Galicia.
  • XXV. Second Winter of the War: The Winter Campaign of 1915-1916, the Second Winter of the War, Was Accompanied by Unparalleled Hardships and Sufferings. On the Western Front -- Conscription in England -- British Battleships Sunk -- Russia's Winter Campaign -- The Balkan Campaign -- Sinking of the Persia -- Great Battle Before Verdun -- German Submarine Activities
  • XXVI. Climax of the War: Prolonged Battle of Verdun the Most Terrible in History -- Enormous Losses on Both Sides -- Submarine Activity Imperils Relations of America and Germany.
  • XXVII. World’s Greatest Sea Fight: British and German High-Sea Fleets Finally Clash in the North Sea -- Huge Losses in Tonnage and Men on Both Sides -- British Navy Remains in Control of the Sea.
  • XXVIII. Barrels East and West: Great Drive by the Russians -- "Big Push" on the Western Front -- Continuation of the Great Battle -- German Submarine Reaches Baltimore -- New Russian Drive New Riga
  • XXIX. Continuation of War in 1917: German Sea Busy -- British Victory in Mesopotamia -- Russia Dethrones the Czar -- United States' Relations with Germany Severed -- Germans Retreat on the West.
  • XXX. General Pershing’s Own Story: American Operation in France Described by the Commander-in-Chief -- Glowing Tribute to His Men.
  • XXXI. When the Days of Reckoning Dawned: American Troops on All Fronts -- Changes Come Fast and Furious -- First Hun Cry for Peace -- Virtue, Vice, and Violence -- Austria Surrenders -- Opens Up the Dardanelles -- Closing Days of Honenzollern Reign -- Killing of Tisza -- Terms Prepared for Germany -- Armistice Signed by Germany.
  • XXXII. Home Follows the Flag: Nearly 28,000,000 Red Cross Relief Workers Distributing Aid in Ten Countries -- Two War Fund Drives in 1918 Raise $291,000,000 -- Other Organizations Active -- 3,000 Buildings Necessary -- Caring for the Boys -- Boy Scouts Play Their Part Well.
  • XXXIII. Terms of the Armistice: Must Surrender Military Supplies -- Must Reveal All Mines -- Repatriation and Reparation -- Evacuated All Black Sea Ports -- German Maltreatment of Prisoners.
  • XXXIV. Honor to the Victors: Service Medal to General Pershing -- Pershing's Splendid Record -- Honors to Marshal Foch -- Marshal Foch's Record -- America's Tremendous Achievement Behind the Lines
  • XXXV. Chronology of the World War: Dates of Important Battles, Naval Engagements, and Principal Events of the War from 1914 to the Signing of the Peace Treaty in June 1919.
  • Americans on the Rhine: Belgium and France Freed of the Invader -- Allied Armies Advance amid the Enthusiasm of Liberated Populations -- The American Advance -- On the Road to Germany -- The Army of Occupation -- Released Prisoners Met on the Way -- Americans in Luxemburg -- Crossing the Boundary into Lorraine -- The Bridgehead of Coblenz.
  • Treaty of Peace With League of Nations Covenant, Etc.: Official Summary of the Covenant of the League of Nations and Terms Imposed Upon Germany as Decided by the Peace Conference. Changes in Map of Europe. Secretary Baker's Report on Our Activities in the War
  • General Pershing's Return: Peace Terms for Austria. Highest Honors Conferred. Pershing's Summary of Activities.

Library of Congress Listing

  • LC Control No.: 14020873
  • Type of Material: Book (Print, Microform, Electronic, etc.)
  • Personal Name: [Russell, Thomas Herbert], 1862- [from old catalog]
  • Main Title: The world’s greatest war; a thrilling story of the most sanguinary struggles of all the ages, its battles and strategy;
  • Published/Created: [Chicago, The Homewood press, c1914]
  • Description: 1 p.l., [5]-416. 416a-416b p. front., illus., plates, ports., maps. 22 cm.
  • Subjects: World War, 1914-1918.
  • LC Classification: D523 .R82
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