International Volunteers

France's cause attracted international support. Before America's entry, individual Americans volunteered—most famously in the Lafayette Escadrille flying squadron. These idealistic young men, seeking adventure and glory, discovered war's harsh realities. Alan Seeger, the poet-volunteer, wrote: "I have a rendezvous with Death / At some disputed barricade."

Italian volunteers, supporting their Latin sister, formed the Garibaldi Legion. Russians in France, both political exiles and students, organized units. Even neutral Spanish citizens crossed the border to enlist. This international dimension reinforced French propaganda about defending civilization.