Camp Sheridan

Definition

Camp Sheridan was a military training facility established during World War I, located near Montgomery, Alabama. It served as a key training ground for thousands of soldiers preparing to serve in the U.S. Army, significantly contributing to Alabama's involvement in the war effort. The camp provided essential military instruction and facilities that helped to prepare troops for combat overseas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Camp Sheridan was established in 1917 and was named after General Philip Sheridan, a Union cavalry leader in the Civil War.
2. The camp trained over 30,000 soldiers who were deployed to fight in various theaters of World War I.
3. Facilities at Camp Sheridan included barracks, training grounds, and medical facilities to support the large number of recruits.
4. The camp contributed significantly to the local economy in Montgomery through job creation and increased commerce related to the military presence.
5. After World War I, Camp Sheridan was decommissioned and later became the site for a civilian airport and residential development.

Review Questions

• How did Camp Sheridan influence the local community in Montgomery during World War I?
  • Camp Sheridan had a significant impact on the local community by boosting the economy of Montgomery. With thousands of soldiers training at the camp, there was increased demand for goods and services, leading to job creation in various sectors such as food service, retail, and transportation. Additionally, the presence of soldiers contributed to social changes and interactions within the community as local residents engaged with the military personnel.
• Discuss the role of Camp Sheridan in preparing soldiers for World War I and how it aligned with the broader U.S. war strategy.
  • Camp Sheridan played a crucial role in preparing soldiers for World War I by providing comprehensive training that included physical conditioning, weapons training, and tactical exercises. This preparation was vital for ensuring that troops were ready for combat upon deployment. The establishment of such training camps across the country was part of a broader U.S. strategy to mobilize and equip an effective fighting force quickly in response to global conflict.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Camp Sheridan on both military training practices and civilian infrastructure in Alabama post-World War I.
  • The establishment and operation of Camp Sheridan influenced future military training practices by highlighting the need for organized training facilities that could accommodate large numbers of recruits efficiently. This model was later adapted in subsequent conflicts. On the civilian side, once decommissioned, Camp Sheridan's location evolved into an airport and residential area, reflecting how wartime infrastructure can shift towards peacetime use and development, showcasing adaptability within local economies after military engagements.

Related terms

Montgomery: The capital city of Alabama, which served as a strategic location for Camp Sheridan and other military operations during World War I.

War Effort: The collective efforts made by the U.S. government and citizens to support military actions during World War I, including enlistment, production of war materials, and training of soldiers.

Selective Service Act: A U.S. federal law passed in 1917 that authorized the government to draft men into military service, leading to increased enlistment at camps like Camp Sheridan.