Times of Trouble, Times of Change: Montana and the Great War
Title:
MEDAL
Date:
1918
Source:
Gift of John L. Thurman
Object ID:
X1939.02.01 a-d
Description:
The Great War ended November 11, 1918, but the struggles at home continued.

Beginning in 1918, a combination of drought, low commodity prices, and high debt pushed the state into an agricultural depression.

By 1926, half of Montana's farmers had lost their land and commercial banks began to fail statewide. Although some ranchers and farmers with enough capital managed to survive, roughly 60,000 Montanans left the state.

The 1929 stock market crash sent the rest of the country reeling, but for many Montanans it was a continuation of the troubled times they faced during the war.

Grieving friends and family mourned the loss of loved ones. Of those who returned home, many suffered the trauma of wounds, both physical and psychological.

Montanans served their state and country with distinction. Their herosim and sacrifices were honored by allied countries and local communities.

The people of Cascade County awarded medals to returning soldiers, such as John Thurman, who served in the 166th Depot Brigade at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

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Medal, X1939.02.01Medal, X1939.02.01