Question

What happened to Black soldiers who were involved with French women during WWI?

a) They were generally well-received and faced minimal discrimination.
b) They were often met with racism and hostility.
c) They were awarded the Croix de Guerre.
d) They were sent back to the United States immediately.

Answer 1

African American soldiers, such as the Harlem Hellfighters, faced acceptance and received medals like the Croix de Guerre for their bravery in France during WWI. However, they often encountered racism and hostility from their fellow Americans upon their return home.

Step-by-step explanation:

The interactions between African American soldiers and French women during World War I were quite complex. On one hand, these soldiers, including the Harlem Hellfighters, found a level of acceptance and freedom in France that starkly contrasted with the discrimination they faced in the United States military. The regiment marched in a homecoming parade in New York City and celebrated for bravery and leadership.

However, the reality back home was often different; they faced segregation and were often met with racism and hostility despite their service and accolades abroad. Some soldiers were awarded France's Croix de Guerre for their valor, highlighting the significant difference between how they were treated by the French versus the American public and military.