The Great War: World War I, 1914-1918

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(Image credit: National Archives)

America Enters World War I

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Though neutral during the first half of World War I, American attitudes shifted and by 1917, U.S. forces were gathering at Fort Dix, New Jersey (see photo), and elsewhere.

The War Awaits

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For most American troops, England was their first stop before entering the war on the European continent. Here, American soldiers leave England and head toward the front lines.

King George V Visits Troops

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King George of England speaks with Scottish troops stationed in France during World War I in this undated photograph.

British Soldier at Ease

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An unnamed British soldier plays with a small Belgian child in Adinkerke, Belgium, in this undated photograph.

The Harlem Hellfighters

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The 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters for their fierce courage in battle, were a largely African-American regiment from New York. Several members were awarded the French Croix de Guerre for bravery in action.

Trench Warfare

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During World War I, trench warfare was used throughout Europe. Here, an Allied officer leads troops near Arras, France, while German shells burst overhead.

World War I Hospital

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Doctors struggled to keep up with advances in weaponry during World War I. Here, medics attend to a wounded soldier in France.

Caring for the Wounded

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The American Red Cross was active throughout Europe during World War I. Here, Mary Withers offered water to wounded British soldiers in France, 1918.

A Break in the Battle

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In this 1918 photograph, YMCA workers serve hot chocolate to troops near St. Eugene, France.

Honoring the Dead

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In 1918, King George V of England paid his respects at an American cemetery near St. Quentin Canal, France.

Marc Lallanilla
Live Science Contributor
Marc Lallanilla has been a science writer and health editor at About.com and a producer with ABCNews.com. His freelance writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and TheWeek.com. Marc has a Master's degree in environmental planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.