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World War, 1914-1918 -- United States Books
Best books
Franklin K. Lane
The Letters of Franklin K. Lane, Personal and Political
"The Letters of Franklin K. Lane, Personal and Political" by Franklin K. Lane is a collection of personal and political correspondence written in the early 20th century. The book offers a glimpse into the life of Franklin K. Lane, who served as the Secretary of the Interior under President Woodrow Wilson, presenting his views on political activities and personal relationships as they unfolded during his career. The opening of this work introduces the background of Franklin K. Lane and sets the stage for a retrospective look at his life through the lens of his letters. The preface highlights the dedication of his editors, who curated a collection from thousands of his letters, focusing on those that effectively communicate his experiences and thoughts. Lane's letters reveal his engagement with various subjects, including his deep commitment to public service and the struggles he faced within the political landscape of his time, as well as insights into his character and personal reflections on his relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Through these communications, readers can expect a richly detailed narrative about the intersection of personal and public life in the context of American politics.
Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star: War-time Editorials
"Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star: War-time Editorials" by Theodore Roosevelt is a historical collection of editorials written during World War I, specifically from the period beginning in late 1917 until Roosevelt's death in early 1919. This compilation captures Roosevelt's passionate and critical perspective on America's military preparedness and the political dynamics of the time, illustrating his fervent belief in national strength and vigilance against perceived threats. The opening of the book sets the stage by explaining the context of these writings. It begins with Roosevelt's immediate reaction to the death of Dr. William T. Fitzsimons, the first American casualty in the war, which highlights themes of grief and national pride intertwined with criticism of America's unpreparedness. Subsequent pieces reflect on various aspects of the war, including the betrayal of American values by pacifist sentiments and the need for aggressive action against Germany. Roosevelt's fiery rhetoric and unwavering resolve serve to galvanize public opinion and demand greater commitment from the U.S. government in wartime efforts, establishing a robust narrative of activism and patriotism that resonates throughout the collection.
Joel R. (Joel Roscoe) Moore
The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki Campaigning in North Russia 1918-1919
"The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki" by Joel R. Moore et al. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This narrative documents the experiences and operations of American forces during their participation in the North Russian campaign against Bolshevik troops in the aftermath of World War I. Focused on the experiences of the 339th Infantry Regiment and their comrades, the book highlights the soldiers' struggles, battles, and the harsh conditions faced while stationed in North Russia. The opening of this account introduces readers to the American troops landing in Archangel on September 5, 1918, anticipating an arduous campaign against the Bolsheviks. It portrays the grim setting marked by the challenges of unfamiliar terrain, inclement weather, and the early outbreak of Spanish influenza aboard the troopships. The narrative emphasizes the soldiers’ sense of valor and commitment, detailing their rapid deployment into the conflict zones and their preparations to confront the Red Guards, underscoring the significance of their mission and the bonds formed amid adversity. As they began their offensive operations, the complexities of warfare, including coordination with allied forces and interactions with local populations, set the stage for the gripping narrative that follows.
William Sowden Sims
The Victory At Sea
"The Victory At Sea" by William Sowden Sims and Burton Jesse Hendrick is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the American naval operations in European waters during World War I and focuses particularly on the submarine warfare that posed a significant threat to the Allies. It captures the strategic and tactical maneuvers employed by the American Navy to counter the German U-boat attacks while providing insights into the international naval collaboration between the United States and its allies. The opening of the book reveals the gravity of the situation in early 1917 as Rear-Admiral Sims receives orders to travel to England amid rising tensions due to impending war with Germany. Upon arrival, he learns the dire state of British naval operations, illustrating that German submarines were inflicting severe losses on Allied shipping, putting the safety of the British Empire at risk. The admiration and concern for British naval leadership’s challenges in combating the U-boat threat set the stage for the urgency of American involvement, which is underscored by the strategies discussed for countering submarine warfare, including the importance of secrecy, immediate action, and international cooperation.
Zechariah Chafee
Freedom of speech
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E. Alexander (Edward Alexander) Powell
The army behind the army
The Army Behind the Army by E. Alexander Powell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It explores the often unseen services and technologies that sustained the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I—especially communications, engineering, transportation, and other logistical arms. The focus is on how specialists and technicians, rather than front-line troops alone, made large-scale modern warfare possible. The opening of the volume recasts the Signal Corps as the army’s “nerve-system,” replacing the flag-waving myth with telephones, radios, pigeons, runners, panels, lamps, and an extensive wire network. Powell outlines the corps’ rapid expansion, its recruitment of U.S. telephone talent (including female operators), the creation of color-coded outpost wire, and secrecy tools like buzzerphones and twisted-pair lines. He highlights listening-posts that tapped enemy currents, radio-intercept and direction-finding teams that mapped German nets and even staged a deceptive “false corps net,” and the reliability and heroism of carrier pigeons when every other link failed. A photographic branch—air and ground—trained specialists to map, report, teach, and buoy morale with films that countered enemy propaganda. The section closes with striking innovations: radiotelephony with aircraft, multiplexing many calls over a single wire, trees used as natural radio antennae, and a practical, unbreakable cipher-transmission device. The narrative then turns to the Engineers—motto “Essayons”—showing their vast remit from fighting as needed to building railways, ports, roads, and forests-to-lumber operations, operating inland waterways, shipping complete locomotives, and even fielding armored railcars, before introducing the life-or-death problem of supplying water to armies on the move.
Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb
The Glory of the Coming What Mine Eyes Have Seen of Americans in Action in This Year of Grace and Allied Endeavor
"The Glory of the Coming" by Irvin S. Cobb is a collection of wartime articles written during the tumultuous summer of 1918. This work, crafted amidst the backdrop of World War I, serves as a reflective account of the author's experiences and observations of American soldiers and their endeavors on foreign fronts, portraying their growth and transformation during the conflict. Cobb’s perspective provides readers an intimate glimpse into the American Expeditionary Forces as they rise to meet the challenges facing them, underscoring themes of honor, sacrifice, and national pride. The opening of the text reveals Cobb's experiences as a war correspondent, capturing his initial impressions of American soldiers as they embark on the journey to the battlefields of Europe. He vividly recalls the moment of departure on a troop ship, highlighting the atmosphere aboard and the uncertainty that looms over the mission. His observations range from the stark reality of troop mobilization to the heartbreaking sinking of the troopship "Tuscania", which carries American soldier boys into the depths of the sea during a German submarine attack. Cobb’s narrative is both poignant and illuminating, as he explores the spirit of the troops and the somber yet resolute mood that envelops them, setting the stage for the larger conflicts and challenges that are to follow.
Woodrow Wilson
President Wilson's Addresses
"President Wilson's Addresses" by Woodrow Wilson is a historical collection of speeches and addresses delivered by the 28th President of the United States, likely compiled in the early 20th century. The book showcases Wilson's political thoughts and philosophies as he navigated significant national and international issues during his presidency, including domestic reforms and the complexities of wartime diplomacy. The opening of this collection sets the stage for understanding Wilson's political journey, starting from his earlier career as a scholar and professor to his emergence as a pivotal figure in American politics. In this introduction, it's clear that his addresses focus largely on themes of justice, national purpose, and international relations, reflecting on the state of American democracy and society at the time. Wilson underscores the importance of a government that serves its people, articulating his vision for progressive change and a profound commitment to maintaining peace and moral responsibility in foreign affairs, especially in relation to the chaotic situation in Mexico during his tenure. This opening lays a rich foundation for exploring the broader context and implications of Wilson's leadership and his attempts to define Americanism.
Charles Seymour
Woodrow Wilson and the World War A Chronicle of Our Own Times.
"Woodrow Wilson and the World War" by Charles Seymour is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the pivotal role of President Woodrow Wilson during World War I, examining his leadership traits, policy decisions, and the impact of his ideals on America's involvement in the global conflict. It provides a deep dive into the complexities of Wilson's character and political philosophy, particularly in relation to his evolving views on foreign intervention and the pursuit of peace. The opening of the narrative introduces Woodrow Wilson as a president unaware of the monumental role he would soon occupy on the world stage. It details his academic background, political aspirations, and rise to the presidency, highlighting how factors such as his Presbyterian upbringing, professorial demeanor, and early experiences shaped his leadership style. The text emphasizes Wilson's domestic achievements prior to the war, as well as the early perceptions of his presidency that largely underestimated the significance of his future actions in international politics. It sets the stage for an exploration of how his initial stances on neutrality and moral diplomacy would shift as the war progressed and the pressures of global dynamics challenged his vision of American exceptionalism.
Edward Hungerford
With the Doughboy in France: A Few Chapters of an American Effort
"With the Doughboy in France: A Few Chapters of an American Effort" by Edward Hungerford is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the experiences and efforts of the American Red Cross during World War I, focusing on its humanitarian work in France. The narrative provides insights into the challenges faced by the organization and the dedication of its volunteers in supporting American soldiers, often referred to as "doughboys," during their service overseas. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the context surrounding America's entry into World War I, emphasizing the urgency with which the American Red Cross prepared for the conflict. Hungerford illustrates how the Red Cross had been anticipating the war and had begun organizing their efforts even before the official declaration of war in April 1917. The narrative highlights the initial steps taken by the Red Cross, including the formation of a commission to go to France, and sets the stage for the extensive relief efforts that would follow. Throughout the early chapters, the author captures the spirit with which these humanitarian efforts were undertaken, underscoring themes of patriotism and altruism during a time of great need.
Benedict Crowell
Demobilization : $b our industrial and military demobilization after the armistice, 1918-1920
"Demobilization: Our Industrial and Military Demobilization After the Armistice" by Benedict Crowell and Robert Forrest Wilson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the complexities of the demobilization process that the United States undertook following the end of World War I. It examines the transition from a wartime economy to a peacetime one, detailing the disbanding of military forces and the management of war contracts and industrial operations, as well as the return of American troops. The opening portion introduces the momentous occasion of the armistice on November 11, 1918, marking the end of hostilities in World War I. It highlights the immediate response from the U.S. government, which involved shutting down the elaborate war machine that had been assembled to support the war effort. The narrative describes the vast scale of American military and industrial mobilization, emphasizing the monumental task of transitioning back to a state of peace while managing troop repatriation, economic stability, and civilian reintegration. It sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the subsequent chapters, which delve further into the processes of demobilization and the challenges faced during this critical period in American history.
Woodrow Wilson
Why we are at war : $b messages to the Congress, January to April 1917
"Why we are at war: messages to the Congress, January to April 1917" by Woodrow Wilson is a historical account that captures the pivotal messages delivered by the U.S. President during a significant turning point in world history, specifically as the United States was contemplating entering World War I. Written in the early 20th century, the book compiles Wilson's communications to Congress, where he articulates the rationale for going to war against Germany and emphasizes the importance of democratic values, rights of humanity, and international cooperation for lasting peace. In this collection, Wilson expresses his deep concerns regarding Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which jeopardized American lives and commerce, compelling him to seek a declaration of war. He outlines the necessity of the U.S. entering the conflict not merely to defend its interests but to advocate for global principles of democracy, justice, and human rights. Throughout his messages, Wilson calls for collective action and emphasizes the importance of establishing a framework for peace post-war, highlighting the role the U.S. must play in ensuring that future conflicts are resolved through cooperation rather than aggression. The book encapsulates Wilson's vision of a world united for peace, emphasizing that the U.S. has a duty to uphold and defend these ideals in the face of authoritarian threats.
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