In this video, we delve into the controversial history of the Model 1897 shotgun during World War I. Although popular among American troops, the Germans protested its use in combat, claiming that it violated the law of war by causing unnecessary suffering. This led to a diplomatic protest against the American use of shotguns on September 19, 1918. However, the United States rejected the protest, citing that the shotgun was not prohibited by the law of war.
The rejection of the German protest upset their forces, leading them to threaten punishment for captured American soldiers found with a shotgun. In retaliation, the United States threatened to take measures against captured German troops with flamethrowers and serrated bayonets. Interestingly, there are no known photographs of trench guns in combat during World War I, which has led to speculation that the American Expeditionary Forces censored and eliminated them to prevent negative portrayals of U.S. troops as barbaric or undisciplined.
Additionally, General John J. Pershing and his staff may have had concerns about French and British commanders exerting control over American forces' public relations regarding the use of trench guns. Despite the lack of photographic evidence, the trench guns continued to be used effectively in combat. Join us as we uncover this fascinating piece of history and shed light on the complex politics and controversies surrounding the Model 1897 shotgun in World War I.
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