Keokuk Co. and the War to end all wars: 100 years since the U.S. entered WWI

On April 6, 1917, the United States entered the world’s greatest conflict to that point, The Great War, as it was known then, solidifying our place as a superpower on the world stage. World War I unfortunately is a somewhat forgotten war to today’s generation, but with April 6 fast approaching we at The News-Review have decided to run several articles detailing the war through the eyes of our relatives here in Keokuk County. With the help of the Historic Society in Sigourney, we will run a four-part series in which we will use our research material, and any help that you the reader would want to provide as well. We are looking for letters, stories and any other material tied to World War I and Keokuk County.

            First a little background on The Great War. By the time the United States entered the war, it had ravaged Europe for over three long years, seeing industrialized killing on a large-scale due to advancements in technology, but not so much in tactics. Trench warfare bogged down the conflict as the Allies of France, Great Britain and Russia amongst others fought against Germany, Austria and the Ottoman Empire. Many people believe that we entered the conflict as a direct result of a German submarine, or U-boat, sinking the Lusitania. However, it was a combination of the unrestricted U-boat attacks by Germany as well as Zimmerman Telegram; a telegram that was intercepted by British intelligence in which Germany supposedly offered Mexico U.S. territory lost in the Mexican War if they would align themselves with Germany and her allies. Even though a majority of the country was against fighting in a European conflict, young American men and women answered the call in whatever capacity they could for their country.

            One gets a great sense of national pride when gazing through copies of the old registration and enlistment lists that flooded the old Sigourney Review in 1917 through late 1918. Between the margins of the paper, the amount of life and sacrifice is almost overwhelming each and every page. To think that a mere 100 years ago young people would be so willing to give up their lives and answer the call to duty is just astounding and awe inspiring. Women’s groups such as The Defense Society flourished and took charge of the work on many farms, shops, factories and any other duties asked of them. Locally The Defense Society had Mrs. Mary Brown as their representative, and throughout the countries involvement in Europe she wrote many articles detailing different aspects that affected the home front.

Complete article in March 8 edition of the News-Review