PATRIOTISM: In our searches through The Era’s archives, one thing that struck us about the news during the time of World War I was the unabashed patriotism.
Of course, we weren’t there, but the news was filled with reports of social clubs and children’s groups raising money for war bonds, or for drives to send supplies to troops. People trusted the government to be caring for the troops and using money wisely — for the most part.
From an Era report on Oct. 24, 1917: “Never did a people respond more generously to war burdens in taxation than the people of America are responding.
“It is devoutly to be hoped that this confidence is not to be abused. The nation is voting its money by millions and by billions. The people in general area not insisting on any real knowledge of the details of expenditures.
“No people can ask greater glory than having expended billions of money in the preservation of free government, and after sharing liberally with many people our vast treasures in natural resources and giving freely of our best and noblest blood in the cause of human liberty and brotherhood — we emerge from it all without one just or honest aspersion on our national honor.
“This is the high patriotism that is, after all, perhaps our very greatest national opportunity.”
RUMORS: While there was no internet to act as a hotbed of rumor and scare tactics, a healthy rumor mill still managed to shake the confidence of many — much to the disapproval of an Era writer at the time.
“Credulous children sometimes naturally swallow the grotesque. But it is incredible that any full-grown women should believe the ridiculous yard that the government intended confiscating part of her hoard of canned foodstuffs.
“The disturbed condition of the times has bred a queer form of hysteria. Usually normal people fall under its spell. Stories which under ordinary conditions would excite laughter now call on attentive ears. The canard concerning confiscated jam pots, tomato catsup and kindred articles is a sample.
“The governor has pinned this particular lie in an official statement. There will be no confiscation of canned goods and household supplies. That ought to settle the matter in the minds of housekeepers who have put in long hours and loving care over hot gas ranges. The larder is safe from official seizure. Ladies, you have Uncle Sam’s word of honor for it.”
