WWI - Peace and Propaganda

When the war began in 1914, neutrality was the official American policy. The war was considered to be a European conflict which did not require United States involvement. This policy followed a long (though not uninterrupted) history of American neutrality, a precedent set forth by George Washington when he advised the U.S. not to become entangled in European affairs.

At first, neutrality seemed to be the only option, as there were many recent immigrants to the U.S. from countries aligned with both the Central Powers and Allied nations, making it politically difficult to join one side or the other. However, the war gradually came to be seen as a battle between the autocratic nations of the Central Powers and the democratic nations of France and England. The U.S. felt the need to support democracy over autocracy. Other political events pushed the U.S. towards joining the Allies in the war against Germany. Finally, on April 6, 1917, Congress declared war on Germany at President Woodrow Wilson’s request. As Austria-Hungary refused to sign a separate peace with the U.S., Congress also declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire in December, 1917.

In order to sustain the country during war, propaganda was used to encourage citizens to assist in the war effort. People were asked to ration food, invest in government loans, and give their time to help the war effort. This section includes newspaper advertisements, political cartoons, and other forms of propaganda used to inspire a spirit of national pride during the war.

*WWI. Four Minute Men, Cohoes. Description and list of speakers at 'Four Minute Men' meetings in Cohoes, New York.

WWI. War Tune. Words to song "Heed Your Country's Call," written by Caledonia residents.

*WWI. Compulsory Service Cartoon. A political cartoon addressing the issue of suggested compulsory service for U.S. citizens.

WWI. "Spend Food Carefully" Headline. Headline reading "Spend Food Carefully."

*WWI. "Spend Food Carefully" Article 2. Newspaper articles discussing food rationing.

*WWI. "Spend Food Carefully" Article 1. Newspaper article discussing food rationing.

*WWI. Anti-Militarism. Letter from the American Union Against Militarism to teachers of the United States.

*WWI. Food Rationing 1. Food rationing articles.

*WWI. Food Rationing 2. Food rationing articles.

WWI. Food Rationing 3. Food rationing articles.

WWI. Food Rationing 4. Food rationing articles.

WWI. Food Rationing 5. Food rationing articles.

*WWI. Peace Cartoon. Political cartoon about peace.

WWI. Food Rationing 6. Food rationing articles.

WWI. Food Rationing 7. Food rationing articles.

*WWI. Liberty Bread Shop. Advertisement for the Liberty Bread Shop from the Reports from Patriotic Societies.

*WWI. International Anthem. Song with new lyrics set to the tunes "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "God Save the King."

*WWI. Home Card. Home card from the Albany County Home Defense Committee to remind residents about food rationing.

*WWI. Buy Liberty Bonds. Plea from the National Savings Bank of Albany for residents to purchase Liberty Bonds.

*WWI. Appropriation Cartoon. Appropriation cartoon.

WWI. America Against Militarism. Propaganda from America Against Militarism.

*WWI. American Red Cross Poster. An American Red Cross poster.

*WWI. Third Liberty Loan Poster. Poster advertising the Third Liberty Loan.

*WWI. League to Enforce Peace. Platform as stated by the League to Enforce Peace at the "Win the War for Permanent Peace" Convention.

WWI. Wilson's Response to the Pope. Printed version of Woodrow Wilson's response to Pope Benedict XV. [2 pages]