China hands: The United States military in China, 1901-1937
Abstract
This study investigates the social aspects of the United States military forces in China during the period 1901-1937, with some examples of troops operating during periods of near combat conditions. The major difficulty in completing this study was the federal law that guarantees the confidentiality of service records for seventy-five to one hundred years. In order to gain as much information on those who served in China, former military men, and their families, who served in East Asia were contacted and questioned. In addition, a large number of oral histories were examined. The comments were checked with archival records whenever possible. In addition, traditional sources, such as manuscripts, diaries, and memoirs were consulted. This type of evidence means much of the observations reached must be impressionistic. The evidence presented suggests that the United States military learned nothing of importance from its "China experience." This is due, largely, because of the "Europe first" outlook of its leaders. Just as army planners in the nineteenth century looked askance upon the Indian Wars in the American West, and concentrated on European tactics strategy, so did the leaders of the twentieth century treat the forces in China. The American peacetime military in China offers the opportunity to study how a very diverse group of men--of all educational levels--reacted to living in a culture that was completely foreign to anything within their previous experiences. The China Station also offers a chance to view how the American military reacted to its role as a colonial occupying force. In general, during periods of unrest in China, notably in the 1920s, American troops performed well. Once the various crises were over, however, the troops quickly slipped into a life of dissipation and were not fit for combat. This generality is only offset when there were vigorous leaders assigned to the China Station--which was rare. In the final analysis, however, this study offers the student of American military history the chance to learn about the social context of the overseas station, and not about the larger issues of tactical doctrine or strategy.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
May, Purdue University.
Subject Area
American history
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