1. Patriotism and Sense of Duty:
- Both groups of troops were motivated by a sense of patriotism and a desire to serve their country. They believed in the righteousness of the causes they were fighting for, whether it was liberating Cuba from Spanish rule or defending democracy against the Central Powers in World War I.
2. Inexperience and Lack of Preparation:
- The US military was relatively small and inexperienced during both conflicts. Many soldiers were volunteers or hastily trained recruits who lacked proper training and combat experience. This led to challenges in terms of tactics, logistics, and overall readiness for battle.
3. Technological Advancements:
- Both the Spanish-American War and World War I witnessed significant technological advancements that changed the nature of warfare. In the Spanish-American War, smokeless powder and improved firearms led to more accurate and deadly combat. World War I saw the introduction of tanks, aircraft, chemical warfare, and submarine warfare, which drastically transformed the battlefield.
4. Public Support and Enthusiasm:
- The initial stages of both conflicts were met with widespread public support and enthusiasm in the United States. The Spanish-American War was perceived as a just cause to free Cuba from Spanish control, while World War I was seen as a defense of democratic values against the aggressive actions of Germany.
5. Impact of Media Coverage:
- The Spanish-American War marked the first time that extensive media coverage brought the realities of war into American households through newspapers and early film footage. This trend continued in World War I, with advancements in communication technology allowing for more vivid and immediate reporting from the frontlines.
6. Learning and Adaptation:
- The US military learned valuable lessons from the challenges and shortcomings experienced during the Spanish-American War, which helped inform their preparations and strategies for World War I. The lessons learned from the earlier conflict allowed for improvements in training, logistics, and coordination, leading to a more effective and efficient force in World War I.
7. Veteran Leadership:
- Some individuals who served in the Spanish-American War gained valuable combat experience and rose through the ranks, eventually leading troops in World War I. These veterans brought their knowledge and expertise from the earlier conflict into the later one, contributing to the overall leadership and decision-making within the US military.