I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 795: US Army Full Mobilization

Wilson did not immediately declare war on Germany; he chose to let the bullet fly a little longer.

This was his clever move; when the public and legislators widely supported going to war, he made the decision, making it safer and more agreeable.

His competitor Hughes had only one choice: to follow Wilson and support the war.

At that time, Hughes became an uncreative follower, and to fully utilize every resource, Hughes should have abandoned the election and united with the current President, Wilson.

No matter the choice, Hughes would be in a passive position.

War mobilization began immediately.

Before mobilization, the US Army totaled less than 300,000, the Air Force was particularly weak, with only 150 pilots and a mere 50 fighter planes, which were extremely outdated.

(The picture shows aircraft equipped by the US Air Force before joining the war, produced by Curtis Company JN-4, costing only $300, unarmed, too outdated for air combat, used only for reconnaissance but mass-produced, with 6,813 manufactured in just over a year for pilot training.)

President Wilson, a former university professor, was not well-versed in military affairs, so he immediately brought in Brigadier General Pershing, who was then the commander of the Mexican Expeditionary Force.

(The picture shows Pershing, a major in 1906, recognized by then-President Roosevelt, who promoted him three ranks, making him the youngest brigadier general.)

The first thing Wilson asked Pershing was, "General, how many troops do you think we need to recruit?"

Pershing answered with a question, "What do you mean, Mr. President? Defeat the Germans or make them surrender?"

President Wilson asked in confusion, "Is there a difference?"

"Of course," Pershing seemed to hint, "Defeating the Germans doesn’t require us; Shire is enough. However, making them surrender..."

Pershing stopped speaking, with a slight hint of sarcasm on his face.

Isn’t the difference obvious? Why does the American Army fight?

President Wilson felt a bit awkward, cleared his throat, and forced himself to stand confidently in front of Pershing.

As a politician, he knew the more insecure he felt, the more he needed to appear confident.

"Of course, to completely make the Germans surrender, General," Wilson said, "We have to engage in war; they shouldn’t reach into Mexico."

"Yes, Mr. President," Pershing nodded, "I completely agree."

Yet, the look he gave Wilson was different.

Pershing agreed to intervene, but his goal was not compensation; it was to ensure the American Army caught up with the pace of European nations.

Otherwise, without understanding tactics and severely outdated equipment, America might become an easy target.

Wilson pretended not to notice the disdain in Pershing’s eyes and calmly shook hands with him, "Great, we’ve reached a consensus. Now, back to the earlier question, how many do we need to recruit?"

Pershing hesitated slightly, "I think we need to recruit all young men aged 21 to 31."

Wilson’s expression changed slightly, "Are you crazy? That could be 2 million!"

Pershing made a noise of acknowledgment, "Only 2 million? Then we should consider expanding the age range; how about 18 to 45? Can we recruit 5 million?"

"What do you mean..." Wilson was taken aback by the number, "Are you saying we need another 5 million to have a chance at victory?"

Pershing calmly nodded.

"Perhaps, Mr. President," Pershing analyzed methodically:

"Look at the current Western Front; the British and French Army already have over 3 million but only managed to control the Germans in the area east of the Meuse River."

"The Eastern Front Russian Army has mobilized over ten million soldiers so far."

"Although many have deserted, around 6 million remain on the front lines."

Pershing then slowed down his speech, speaking each word deliberately, "And now, the Eastern Front is on the brink of collapse. Once it falls, how many do you think we need to fill that gap?"

Wilson was stunned.

He only wanted to join the war, boost polls, and retrieve loans, but never seriously calculated the required troop numbers.

Now, as Pershing spoke, he realized this could be a disaster.

Pershing added a point, "Maybe I should remind you; the uncertain statistics to date show the British and French forces have had over 3 million casualties. Knowing that, do you still think 5 million is a lot?"

Wilson was left speechless.

The US Army, whether in tactics, equipment, or experience, could not compare to the British and French forces.

Hence, Pershing was right.

If the British and French forces need to fill with 3 million, the US Army may need to fill with 5 million.

After a while, Wilson finally said with difficulty:

"Alright, we... we’ll start by recruiting one million soldiers first."

"You will become the commander of the expeditionary force, General."

"Prepare to lead them to Dunkirk to report to General Kitchener!"

Pershing didn’t answer, just stared blankly at Wilson.

"Is there a problem?" Wilson asked.

"Can I take back what I just said?" Pershing replied.

"What?"

"We don’t need 5 million; we need 10 million," Pershing answered.

Wilson erupted, "Why do you think so? Is it just a whim that determines the life and death of 5 million people? Those are individual young lives!"

"No, it’s not just a whim, Mr. President," Pershing calmly responded, "It’s yours."

Wilson tilted his head slightly, unsure of what Pershing meant.

Pershing revealed the mystery, "If you let me report to Kitchener and accept his command, maybe even 10 million is not enough."

Wilson suddenly understood, "You wish to fight independently? But we don’t have experience fighting on the Western Front; most of our soldiers are new recruits..."

"I would be very willing to fight under Shire’s command," Pershing interrupted Wilson, "If we add Shire’s equipment, we might only need 1 million."

Wilson laughed, "Are you joking? Kitchener’s command requires 10 million, Shire’s command requires only 1 million, a tenfold difference!"

"I’m never joking, Mr. President," Pershing affirmed earnestly, "I’m serious."

Wilson shook his head, steadfastly disbelieving such a vast difference.

"You should fight under the unified command of the British Army," Wilson maintained his stance, "That’s an alliance, General, you should understand the importance of unity."

If the British command wasn’t recognized, the Western Front troops might split into factions, each fighting separately.

"Alright," Pershing replied with regret, "As you wish, but I hope I have a degree of autonomy."

"Of course, you will," Wilson confidently nodded.

A significant part of the British and French supplies came from the United States, and just for that reason, the American Army’s opinions deserved adequate respect.