doughboys

WWI Letters: “There Are Greater Things Ahead Of Us”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

Today’s featured letter – rediscovered in A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia – was written by an American sergeant serving “over there” during World War I. He details his lodgings, general impressions of Americans in war-torn Europe, and an experience with French refugees in this letter to his mother.

Similar to last week, we’ve included a few historical notes after the complete primary source to give a little background and historical depth to the letter.

The Letter

Somewhere in France

September 14, 1918 Continue reading →

9 Things You Should Know About The American Homefront In World War I

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

If you’ve been following Gazette665 for a while, you’ll know I’m interested in civilian accounts. (If you’re a new follower, welcome…and you just learned one of my “secrets.”) So, as we’re wrapping up our blog series on American entering World War I, it seems only right that we’d have a blog post about civilians and the homefront.

In keeping with the tradition of this series, here’s a list of nine things you’ll want to know about the American homefront during World War I: Continue reading →

8 Things You Should Know About American Soldiers In World War I

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

In the last couple weeks, we’ve talked about America’s entry into World War I and the American pilots who’d been fighting and flying in France long before 1917. Today, we’ll focus on a few-facts about U.S. Soldiers in the conflict; it’s just an overview. There are volumes and volumes written with more details, but Gazette665 likes go for the quick facts that you can use to impress your friends.

You know, you really should ask your friends if they know what’s significant about this year and month? (America entered World War I in April 1917 – 100 years ago). They tell’em a few facts. World War I is one of the “forgotten” conflicts in American history, but we can start to change that by questions and friendly discussions.

And now – without further jabbering from yours truly – here are 8 things you should know about American soldiers in World War I: Continue reading →