The Doughboys - Gary Mead - A Short Summary & Review

 The Doughboys: America and the First World War - Gary Mead - A Short Summary & Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

The reasons behind America's entry into World War I and the story of the soldiers who fought.

A short summary:

The Doughboys by Gary Mead explores the political, social, and military forces that drew the United States into World War I, as well as the experiences of the American soldiers who fought overseas.

Mead examines the debate over American neutrality, the pressures from European allies, and the events that ultimately tipped the balance toward intervention. He then follows the story of the American Expeditionary Forces as they trained, crossed the Atlantic, and adapted, often painfully, to the realities of modern industrial warfare.

Rather than focusing solely on strategy and command, The Doughboys emphasizes the lived experience of American soldiers, placing their service within the broader transformation of the U.S. from a cautious power to a decisive global participant.

My favorite quote:

" We came American. We shall remain American and go into battle with Old Glory over our heads. I will not parcel out American boys."

General John J. Pershing

Questions to ponder while reading:

Did you realize the logistical problems that occur during war?

Did you know we had soldiers in Siberia during the Russian Revolution?

My review:

This is a detailed and engaging history of America’s role in World War I.

Mead’s research is thorough and clearly structured, making complex political and military developments easy to follow. The book brings surprising facts to light, particularly regarding America’s initial unpreparedness and the steep learning curve faced by both leadership and troops.

What makes the book especially effective is its balance. It combines high-level decision-making with ground-level experience, showing how policy decisions translated into hardship, adaptation, and courage on the battlefield.

Well planned, thoughtfully written, and consistently engaging, The Doughboys provides important context for understanding how World War I reshaped both the United States and the modern world.

_____________________________________________________________________________

About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

✨ #TakeTheBackRoads

Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!