Final answer:
The war has left the two men in 'Two Friends' feeling powerless and isolated, trapped in their thoughts with no physical ability to contribute to the Confederacy's efforts. Similarly, the experiences of World War I soldiers reshaped the American consciousness about war. The story 'Chickamauga' further emphasizes the disillusionment with war through a shift from glorified to bleak war vocabulary.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story Two Friends, we can infer that the war has deeply affected the two men by leaving them feeling disconnected and helpless. The narrative describes them as being "of a war and yet not in it," highlighting the frustration and powerlessness they experience due to their inability to physically participate in the conflict. The men are consumed by their passion and thoughts about the war but are stranded with their imaginations as their only outlet, as they are too old or physically unable to fight. This portrayal reflects a sense of isolation and the mental toll of being close to but excluded from the central events shaping their nation's future.
The themes of disillusionment and the harsh realities of war are also echoed in the accounts of the American Expeditionary Force's involvement in World War I. The industrial scale of death and destruction brought home physical and psychological scars, altering the American character and influencing the nation's post-war identity.
Finally, the narrative of "Chickamauga" employs a shift in the language used to describe war from glorified terms to a recognition of its brutal consequences. This transition exemplifies how experiences of war can drastically change perceptions, shifting views from romanticized notions of heroism to stark awareness of suffering and loss.