Virtual ExhibitsTitle:
MAILBAG
Date:
ca. 1917-1919
Source:
Donated in memory of D.C. Morrison, District Forest Ranger, Augusta, MT
Object ID:
2014.67.01
Description:
When the U.S. declared war against Germany in April 1917, conflict erupted at home over American values.
During the February 1918 special session, Montana's legislature passed laws suppressing dissent and criminalizing labor reform activities. The state's Council of Defense was empowered to create and enforce orders that regulated public gatherings, use of the German language, newspapers, and other parts of daily life.
There were many reasons why some Montanans did not want the U.S. involved in Europe's war:
Some might have to fight relatives across no man's land.
Others observed religious teachings against violence.
Industrial Workers of the World members thought the war enriched corporate interests while hunting average citizens.
Some Irish Americans opposed aligning with the British, who still subjected Ireland to colonial rule.
Some Finnish Americans did not want to fight alongside Russia, from whom Finland was seeking independence.
Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin received letters from hundreds of Montanans expressing their views for and against the war.
During the February 1918 special session, Montana's legislature passed laws suppressing dissent and criminalizing labor reform activities. The state's Council of Defense was empowered to create and enforce orders that regulated public gatherings, use of the German language, newspapers, and other parts of daily life.
There were many reasons why some Montanans did not want the U.S. involved in Europe's war:
Some might have to fight relatives across no man's land.
Others observed religious teachings against violence.
Industrial Workers of the World members thought the war enriched corporate interests while hunting average citizens.
Some Irish Americans opposed aligning with the British, who still subjected Ireland to colonial rule.
Some Finnish Americans did not want to fight alongside Russia, from whom Finland was seeking independence.
Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin received letters from hundreds of Montanans expressing their views for and against the war.
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Mailbag, 2014.67.01
Mailbag, 2014.67.01
