Today in History: General John J. Pershing

Today in History: General John J. Pershing

Today in History–July 15–the Library of Congress features General John J. Pershing, who died on this date in 1948. Pershing received a hero’s burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to the only military leader since George Washington to earn the title General of the Armies of the United States. Find out more about this officer who led troops from the cavalry to…

Flemish milk women, Antwerp, Belgium

World Spotlight: Belgium

Belgium primary sources from the World Digital Library Belgium maps Books & other texts about Belgium Belgium historic newspaper coverage Belgique historic newspaper coverage (en français) Belgium royalty historic newspaper coverage Belgium images set Belgian image set TR receiving Belgian envoys at Sagamore Hill 1917 film King Albert of Belgium visits TR’s grave 1919 film Belgium/Belgian sheet music La Brabançonne / National air of…

The sun., April 28, 1918, Section 6 Books and the Book World, Page 7

Today in History: Sherwood Anderson

Today in History–September 13–the Library of Congress features writer Sherwood Anderson, born on this day in 1876. Sherwood worked as a copywriter before gaining success for his poetry, short stories, and novels. Learn  more about this midwest scribe by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Sherwood and other American writers. Sherwood…

Image from The Stars and Stripes (Paris, France), September 27, 1918, Vol. 1 No. 34

Today in History: Saint-Mihiel Offensive

Today in History–September 12–the Library of Congress features the Saint-Mihiel offensive, launched in France on this day in 1918. The offensive liberated a strategic area that Germany had held for four years. Just two months later, World War I ended with the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…

Historical map American Expeditionary Force

Guided Primary Source Analysis: American Expeditionary Force map

The Americans who participated in the liberation of France were shocked by the devastation and the suffering of French civilians who had lost their homes, their livelihood, and their lives during the war. The compassion of the soldiers of the American Expeditionary Forces for the French people generated many popular songs such as “The Tale…

Over there

Today in History: George M. Cohan

Today in History–July 3–the Library of Congress features theater maestro George M. Cohan, born on this date in 1878. The multitalented Cohan was a playwright, songwriter, dancer, actor, theater owner, and producer. He also was awarded the Congressional medal of honor for his World War I song “Over There“. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links…

Irishmen - avenge the Lusitania

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Irishmen – Avenge the Lusitania

Use image and textual details to describe the purpose of this poster. Use the Primary Source Nexus search box to find out about the sinking of the Lusitania. What did you find out? What surprised you the most or had the biggest impact on you? The audience for this poster was the Irish—Irish men, in…

Front page, The Seattle star., May 07, 1915

Today in History: Lusitania Lost

Today in History–May 7–the Library of Congress features the British ocean liner Lusitania, sunk by a German submarine on this day in 1915.  Public outrage at the sinking of the civilian ship—though it was also carrying ammunition manufactured in the U.S.—was tremendous and helped to hasten U.S. entry into World War I. Learn more about this tragic day…

Boys and girls! You can help your Uncle Sam win the war - save your quarters, buy War Savings Stamps

Today in History: Uncle Sam & James Montgomery Flagg

Today in History–June 18–the Library of Congress features Uncle Sam illustrator James Montgomery Flagg, born on this day in 1877. In addition to the iconic Uncle Sam, Flagg created dozens of posters supporting the war effort during World War I. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Flagg…

I'm hitting the trail to Normandy so kiss me good-bye.

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Hitting the trail to Normandy

Using details from the cover of this sheet music, describe what you think this song is about. Use the Primary Source Nexus search box to find out about Normandy. Where is it? What was happening there in 1917? Look inside at the song lyrics and music notation. What is the tone of the song? Does…

The daily Missourian., April 06, 1917, Image 1

Today in History: U.S. Enters World War I

Today in History–April 6–the Library of Congress features the United States entrance into World War I on this day in 1917 by declaring war on Germany. Learn more about the difficult decision to enter the war and how it transformed the nation by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access 1917 newspaper articles plus…