The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) were the United States military forces sent to Europe during World War I. Established in 1917, the AEF was commanded by General John J. Pershing and played a crucial role in supporting the Allied Powers against the Central Powers. The AEF included soldiers from various branches of the military and was instrumental in several key battles, including the Battle of Argonne Forest. The AEF marked the first time that American troops were deployed to fight in a large-scale overseas conflict. Their involvement helped to turn the tide of the war, contributing to the eventual defeat of the Central Powers in 1918. The experience gained by the AEF also influenced future military strategies and the development of the U.S. Army.