ByIain Woessner- Reprinted with permission from The Dickinson Press
Susan Reinhiller hasn't been teaching at Dickinson High School very long, but she's already hard at work bringing her passion for history to her students—and that passion will be aided thanks to a scholarship she received to participate in an online class "Legacies of World War I."
As the calendar rolls towards the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War, it's important to teach the importance of a conflict so often overshadowed by the mushroom clouds of its progeny.
"This is the big year. November 11th—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—is a very important date," Reinhiller said. "The reality of it was that World War II overshadowed WWI but the world we live in is more influenced in WWI and in post-WWI, the Treaty of Versailles."
Without the first World War, and the conditions under which it ended, there wouldn't have been a second World War—the whole of history could've been greatly different.
With the centennial close at hand, Reinhiller wants to look at the Great War in a newer, clearer context. The traditional way of summarizing the war simply doesn't apply anymore, according to materials Reinhiller found in the online class. She spoke of a presentation by Michael Neiberg, who has written a book on WWI, and what he said about the broadly accepted causes of the conflict.
"World War I is always taught using MAIN, that the causes of World War I are militarism, alliances, imperialism and nationalism," Reinhiller said. "In his book, he kind of throws that off and says 'that isn't the circ*mstances that preceded World War I.'"
Reinhiller's webinars explore various aspects of the war, starting with the spark which ignited it and covering topics such as the role played by women, African-Americans, the U.S. homefront and the legacy of the war itself. This project is a partnership between the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and National History Day—North Dakota's chapter of National History Day specifically chose Reinhiller.
"I am very humbled ... this is something I like to do, I love to learn and I want to teach it right," she said. "I believe that as I am a teacher, I also want to be a student. This was an opportunity for me and I was just fortunate to be chosen."
According to a press release, this program is part of an educational partnership with the WWI Commission, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, National History Day, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
"As part of the commemoration of the centennial of The Great War, National History Day is proud to partner with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission to help teachers delve into the history of this global event," National History Day Executive Director Cathy Gorn said in the release. "Reinhiller will learn about specific aspects of the war she can take back to the classroom to ensure this piece of global history is not forgotten."
Reinhiller described herself as a proponent of project-based learning. She said she thinks that students, and people in general, retain more from experiences than simple lecture or memorization. She said she also intends to draw in North Dakota's own local history, from the contributions of its legislators in the post-war era to the isolationist and patriotic conflicts happening within its Russian, German demographics.
"Many Germans from Russia didn't speak English in 1917, 18 ... and they feel compelled to maybe go over the top with their patriotism. The war was not popular in the United States ... (Woodrow) Wilson won his second election on 'he kept us out of war,'" Reinhiller said. "North Dakota had a very strong isolationist sentiment."
Gerald Nye, a senator from North Dakota at that time, would famously go after the "merchants of death" or arms manufacturers and businesses that profited during the war, Reinhiller said—he was a powerful voice in anti-war efforts afterward as well.
Reinhiller has been at Dickinson High for about a month now, and is a newcomer to Dickinson. She taught previously at Standing Rock Community High School.
National History Day is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. The National History Day Contest was established in 1974 and currently engages more than a half-million students in conducting original research on historical topics of interest.
Below is the poster for the WWI Lecture Series with all dates, locations and times. To download a high-resolution version for sharing or hanging, please click here.
Governor Doug Burgum signed a proclamation declaring November 11th, 2018, as World War I Remembrance Day in North Dakota. Citizens are also encouraged to ring bells at 11 a.m. on November 11th in remembrance of all North Dakotans who served in The Great War.
Below is a scanned image of the proclamation. You may also click this link to read the proclamation on the Governor's website.
Reprinted with permission from North Dakota Living Magazine
This autumn, North Dakotans join the worldwide solemn salute to the great sacrifices made during World War I (WWI), which ended 100 years ago. In North Dakota, this WWI centennial observance has spanned 2017-18. Gov. Doug Burgum issued a proclamation designating April 6, 2017, as World War I Day in North Dakota, as April 6, 1917, marked the entry of the United States into WWI 100 years ago.
WWI started in Europe in the summer of 1914, with the assassination of the Austria-Hungary archduke. That nation aligned with Germany in commencing warfare against Allied Powers, principally including the Russian Empire, French Republic and Great Britain. Germany’s persistent attacks on United States ocean vessels and threats to U.S. territorial integrity prompted the U.S. to enter WWI in April 1917. The “Great War” ended on Nov. 11, 1918.
To coordinate the state’s focus on the WWI centennial, the North Dakota World War One Centennial Commission has been established. The commission has been educating the public about the course of the war as it affected North Dakota; honoring the heroism and sacrifice of Americans and the 30,000 North Dakotans serving in the war; and conducting several programs commemorating the WWI centennial.
“The veterans of World War I were American heroes,” says Darrell Dorgan, chairman of the commission, which is made up of 30 North Dakota public officials, history scholars and community leaders. Dorgan points out that 117,000 American soldiers died during WWI service; 1,300 of these casualties were North Dakotans.
“Today, a century after they entered the trenches, their sacrifices have been largely forgotten. That is why nationally, and in North Dakota, we are marking the centennial,” he continued.
This state – comparable in other states – is helping the United States World War I Centennial Commission conduct a nationwide campaign of education and tribute for the sacrifices and achievements of WWI.
This autumn, through Nov. 11, the state commission, with local supporters, will be participating in local forums, where WWI and North Dakota will be examined. (See our events page for schedule of forums.)
Letters from the Great War
The North Dakota WWI Commission, the North Dakota Newspaper Association and history students at the University of Mary, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Stuart, undertook State Historical Society archives research, locating letters written from WWI soldiers to family and friends in North Dakota.
Nearly 100 of these letters have been transcribed for publication and made available to newspapers and news outlets. Each letter, in its own way, documents authentic firsthand observations of what actually happened in the many venues where this war was fought. Three are presented below.
Rouse letter
Note: Captain Charles L. Rouse wrote a letter to an unknown recipient on Sept. 25, 1918, from somewhere in France. It was published in the Crosby Journal, Divide County, Oct. 25, 1918; following is a portion of that letter:
It has been quite some time since I have written you, but I haven’t had scarcely a bit of mail from the states since the first part of July.
On July 18 my Division took part in the big attack. We advanced directly on Soissons in the Marne and the second day out I got hit in the leg with a machine gun bullet. I went back to the First Aid Station and then went back to the line that night. The third day out, July 20, I got gassed and then went to a Base Hospital in Nantes. I stayed there a few weeks and was then sent to where I am now, a Depot Division, marked class B, which means I shall be here a few months until I am restored to class A and fit for duty at the front.
Am feeling fine now and as good as ever except for a few burns which aren’t healed up yet from the gas. You know, when this mustard gas strikes anything wet it forms sulphuric acid and the result is you get quite a burn.
So after being shifted from one station to another so often after coming from a hospital, one’s mail is lost in the crowd. I must have a bunch of it some place, which will be turning up right soon.
You see some great sights going over the top, as well as feeling some queer sensations. It’s hell all right but quite interesting and I’ll have some great tales to tell you when it’s all over. And the way everyone is walloping the Hun it looks mighty promising. But there will still be some good fighting…
Jones letter
Note: This letter was written by J.H. Jones from a battlefield in France. It was published in the Manning News, Dunn County, Oct. 24, 1918; following is portion of that letter:
On the Battlefield, France
September 21, 1918
Friend Bessie:
Yours received and was sure glad to hear from you.
We have been in another big drive as you doubtless have seen by the papers and have won another big strip of ground held by the Hun for four years. At present I am leaning against a cannon we captured. We sure did get lots of guns and ammunition and about 20,000 prisoners.
We advanced about 8 miles here and are only about 20 miles from Metz. Have been moving day and night, in rain, hail, and cold mud, knee deep at times. Found lots of dead Germans and Yanks while the ambulances carried lots of poor devils to the hospital. It was sure an awful drive and the reward was well earned.
We have at last stopped for a little rest in dugouts and trenches formerly held by the Hun for more than four years. Everyone is on nettles and talks of nothing but the big victory. There were at least 200,000 here. We hit them on five sectors of a forty mile front and beat them bad. The barrage was opened at one A.M. and the boys went over the top at five A.M.
The guns were 3, 3 1-2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 16, and 20 inch and machine guns. Rifles and everything you can think of was used. Oh, it was terrible but we will yet make them glad to agree to a U.S. Peace.
The Wagoners, Tank, Truck, Auto, Ambulance, Ammunition, and Infantry trams were on the move day and night with us. We had no sleep for days, and eats were scarce, but it was endured with the consolation that we were winning one of the greatest battles of the war.
Sure hope everything is fine and dandy over there, and that a fine crop will be made and that the war will soon be at an end…
Sincerely,
J.H. Jones.
Angliss letter
Note: Ernest Angliss wrote three short letters from France to his dad, mother, and sister. The letters were published in the Dickinson Press, Stark County, Oct. 10, 1918; presented here is the letter to his mother.
On active service Over Here,
September 17, 1918
My Dear Little Mother:
Well, Sweetheart, it has been quite awhile since I wrote last, but you will by the papers the reasons of it – you will read of the big drive under command of our great general. I saw Harold Poor a few days ago. He had just returned from the hospital, but was looking first rate. Did you get the Hun belt buckle and watch? Well mother dear, there is a German helmet on the road for you; I sent it yesterday and took it to the postoffice myself, so it is on its way to you. I carried it on my motorcycle so it is muddy and will need some cleaning. You will see where the shrapnel bullets struck it by the dents. The red paint spots are camouflage. It is about as good a helmet as I could pick up. The boys made great fun of me for carrying it around, but I told them plump and plain, “My mother wants one and believe me she is going to get it.” Where I was hit by the Ford ambulance on my hand, the bone budged up and has never gone down, so there is a bump there now. Well mother dear, I must ring off; will write soon again. With heaps of love to you.
Just - Ernest
The North Dakota Forest Service has selected the North Dakota WWI Centennial Committee to receive the 2018 "Tree Celebration of the Year" award. The award recognizes individuals, organizations, and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities in North Dakota.
The WWI Centennial Committee joined forces with the Forest Service to plant thousands of seedlings, beginning on Arbor Day, in honor of World War 1 veterans. The planting was a continuation of a program that began 100 years ago when thousands of trees were planted across the state to honor veterans of "The Great War."
Many of those trees were marked with plaques when planted, and many still exist. Trees from 100 years ago have been identified at NDSU, Minot State University, and on the State Capitol Grounds in Bismarck.
We begin our series of lectures across North Dakota in October and seedlings will be given out at some of those events. We hope to see you there!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WWI COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 'BELLS OF PEACE' ON ARMISTICE CENTENNIAL
Nationwide Bell-Tolling on November 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. will honor the 116,516 American men & women who died in WWI
WASHINGTON DC: The World War One Centennial Commission, along with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, today announced BELLS OF PEACE: A WORLD WAR ONE REMEMBRANCE.
BELLS OF PEACE is a collaborative program, whereby American citizens and organizations, across the entire country, are invited to toll bells in their communities twenty-one times on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.local time.
Conceived and designed in collaboration with the nation’s veterans of service with the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the bell tolling provides a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans of World War I and all veterans.
Bells will be tolled in communities across the nation, in places of worship, schools, town halls, public carillons, and cemeteries, to mark the centennial of the Armistice that brought an end to hostilities, in what Americans fervently hoped had been “The War to End All Wars.”
This nationwide program is designed to honor those American men and women who served one hundred years ago, during World War One. The war ended by an armistice agreement between the warring countries at 11 a.m. on November 11th, 1918.
The World War I Centennial Commission has created a page on its website:
where people can find information and tools to conduct the bell tolling and to meaningfully commemorate the service of their local World War One veterans.
World War One took place between July 1914 and November 1918 and was one of the deadliest conflicts in world history. Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians died as a result of the war. The Unites States officially entered the war on April 6th, 1917. Some 4.7 million Americans stepped forward to serve in uniform during the war, 2 million of them were deployed overseas to fight, and 116,516 of them never made it home.
The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission was established by Congress in 2013 to provide education programs, public outreach, and commemorative events regarding the American involvement in the war. The Centennial Commission was also authorized by Congress to create a new national-level memorial in the nation's capital, to honor the men and women who served. Information on the new National World War One Memorial can be found atwww.ww1cc.org/memorial
The American Legion was founded by three World War One veterans in 1919, as a veteran support organization made up of former and current U.S. military members. Throughout its history, The Legion has been committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in America’s communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and support for servicemembers and veterans.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded in 1899 to support all honorably-discharged servicemembers, from any military branch, who served the U.S. in wars, campaigns, expeditions, on foreign soil, or hostile waters. The VFW grew rapidly after World War One, with hundreds of thousands of eligible veterans returning from the war. Today, it stands with the American Legion as the two largest veteran service organizations in the world.
While it is a Congressional Commission, the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission operates largely through private donation. The founding sponsor for the Centennial Commission was the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, in Chicago. The leading sponsor for the Centennial Commission is the Starr Foundation, based in Washington DC. Other major supporters include the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, the Bloomberg Foundation, and the General Motors Foundation,
CONTACT
Betsy Anderson, Program Director
U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
Tollthebells@worldwar1centennial.org
Information on the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission can be found here
Information on the Society of the Honor Guard can be found here
Information on the Pritzker Military Museum and Library can be found here
Information on the Starr Foundation can be found here.
Information on the Veterans of Foreign Wars can be found here
Information on the American Legion can be found here
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
19 JUNE 2018
NATIONAL WWI MEMORIAL FOR DC GETS BLESSING TO MOVE FORWARD
Project to honor America's WWI Veterans gains unanimous endorsem*nt by U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
WASHINGTON DC: The effort to build a new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC gained a major endorsem*nt today, from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA).
The support was a unanimous vote of approval for the updated design-concept for the Memorial. This vote came as part of a status-update presentation by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission's memorial project team.
This presentation was a scheduled part of regulatory reviews of the memorial's design concept by oversight agencies, which include the CFA, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).
The main presenters were project landscape architect David Rubin, along with Centennial Commission Chair Terry Hamby and Commissioner Dr. Libby O'Connell.
The briefers gave updates to the overall vision for the memorial, and discussed different variations, which can be developed further, through future meetings with oversight organizations.
Reaction to the presentation reflected optimism toward the memorial project. CFA Commissioner Edward D. Dunson, Jr. stated "I applaud the design effort that the memorial team brought forward. I feel prepared to go forward with the schemes that you have presented”.
The design process for the new memorial has closely followed the design-concept drawings that were unanimously approved by the CFA, NCPC, and NPS last year.
The World War I Centennial Commission leadership was pleased by the progress made at the CFA presentation. WWI Centennial Commission Chair Terry Hamby stated “We will continue to push forward in this effort. Our veterans deserve our best effort, and we owe it to them”.
WW1CC Commissioner O'Connell agreed “there were differences of opinion, today, to be sure, but we found great areas to agree upon, and to work forward from.”
The audience for the event was standing-room-only. Attendees included high-profile former officials, senior representatives from major veteran service organizations, noted historians, and members of the art community. Among them were former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and U.S. Senator John Warner, former U.S Ambassador, and U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun, retired U.S. Army Major General Christopher Leins, and dozens of other volunteers and project supporters.
Those attendees were joined in spirit by several hundred people across the country who wrote letters to the CFA, voicing their support for the memorial to honor these World War I veterans.
Since Congress designated DC's Pershing Park as the site of the new National World War I Memorial in 2014, the Centennial Commission has been collaborating with federal regulatory agencies to design an integrated park and memorial, honoring the more than four million American men and women who served in World War I.
The Centennial Commission is creating the National World War I Memorial through private donation. Founding sponsor for the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission is the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, in Chicago. Other major supporters include the Starr Foundation, the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, The Richard Lounsbery Foundation, General Motors, Huntington Ingalls Industries, the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, and The American Legion.
The Commission plans to complete the design and construction of the WWI Memorial at Pershing Park in 2020.
For more information about the Memorial project and to donate to the Memorial design and construction, visitwww.ww1cc.org/memorial.
CONTACT
Chris Isleib, Director of Public Affairs
U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
chris.isleib@worldwar1centennial.org
301 641 4060
About the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
About the Centennial Commission Founding Sponsor, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library
http://www.pritzkermilitary.org
About the Centennial Commission Supporting Sponsor, the Starr Foundation
The AMVets float in the 4th of July parade and celebration in Mandan, North Dakota.
Earlier this year, on May 4, the North Dakota World War I Centennial Committee joined forces with North Dakota Forestry Department to celebrate Arbor Day. A Tree was planted on the North Dakota Capitol grounds in honor of WWI veterans. Thousands more will be planted statewide in their honor.
