The First World War
On April 6, 2017, the United States observed the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into the First World War. This “war to end war,” as H.G. Wells put it, had a profound impact on the country.
Our army that in 1914 ranked 17th in the world had swelled to 4.7 million in 1918. By the war’s end, over 116,000 Americans died—more than in the Korean and Vietnam Wars combined—and more than 200,000 returned home wounded.
At HomeA THC Legacy Project
As part of the centennial celebration, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) took on the ambitious goal of producing a World War I Legacy Project: a book accompanied by a teaching guide that highlights the Texan experience of the First World War and its centennial response to the 100th anniversary. Publication of this book and the teaching guide will be completed in 2022.
The World War I Legacy Project was the first of its kind, focused on both the political and military history of Texas in World War I and the social and cultural history of the state at the time.
Numerous World War I commemorative efforts were organized at the national and state levels in honor of the “Great War.” Read more about the THC’s efforts here.