Yanks Prepare for War The declaration of war comes just three months after Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. Mobilizing the war effort takes a few more months, as America has almost no standing military. By mid-summer, however, America is sending a quarter million new troops to Europe each month. This provides the muscle for a strong new offensive on the Western Front.

	Getting out the Checkbook All this results in the need for massive new war financing. Victory Bonds are a way for ordinary Americans to contribute directly, and immediately, to the war effort. Everyone is called upon to join in support of the war, including movie stars and housewives. The mood is electric, as America is now throbbing with war activity.
	Over There For the first several months, American troops are used mainly for support. They lack combat experience and heavy equipment, like tanks. America eventually begins producing copies of a French tank, and makes 1,000 by war's end. Meanwhile, US troops gradually assume a greater role in operations, including the final push to victory in late 1918.