Thursday, April 6, 2017

The United States enters the war to end all wars


U.S. flag flown from the Hotel de Ville, Paris, on 6 April 1917.
© IWM (FLA 5468)


Hello, dear readers,
The steady gears of history keep on turning...

One hundred years ago, the Great War became even more global. The United States entered the conflict officially with Congress's vote to declare war on Germany, on 6th April, 1917.

In recognition of this anniversary for our Ghosts of 1917, I went searching for some digital archival items. Here is an initial assortment; more soon. In the meantime, the Wikipedia article on the U.S. entry into war is commendably thorough in its content and citations.



The Daily Missourian reports on the U.S. entry into the Great War
6 April, 1917
source: Library of Congress "Chronicling America" website

Would-be Marines sign up for service after the declaration of war.
© IWM (Q 70887)

Pacifism was still strong in the United States in this era.
"I Didn't Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier" 1915 sheet music cover, with photo of singer Ed. Morton.
Source: Wikipedia


Blindfolded Newton Diehl Baker, the US Secretary of War, drawing the first number in the Army Draft
 May 1917.
© IWM (Q 70156)


With thanks for reading,
Fiona