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Youth Machine Gun Training, 1917

Machine gun training on the grounds of Peekskill Military Academy in New York during World War I. The training was part of a state-sponsored military instruction camp for boys between the ages of 16 and 21. View the original source document: WHI 36345

America was divided over the First World War. The U.S. had a policy of strict neutrality on the war. But when Germany decided to resume unrestricted submarine warfare, the U.S. revoked its policy. On April 6, 1917, the U.S. officially sided with Great Britain and entered the war. But nine of Wisconsin's eleven congressmen and Senator La Follette voted against declaring war. Many Wisconsinites embraced the war effort as a call to arms.

German Americans

Wisconsin's German Americans were devoted to their home country and it culture. The German American community was united by pride in Germany's history, their German language press and their constant conflict with Yankee culture. One of the main conflicts between German and Yankee culture was over alcohol. Protestant Yankees supported temperance; brewing and drinking beer were German norms. 

Milwaukee Socialists were another voice of antiwar sentiment in Wisconsin. Despite the startling shift of European Socialists to national loyalties (ignoring their own previous professions of international solidarity), American socialists continued to call for an international Socialist movement and adopted a militant antiwar position two days after Congress declared war. Milwaukee Socialist Victor Berger, an outspoken opponent of war and militarism since the 1890s, voted for the antiwar plank and ardently defended his position. Despite this, Berger ultimately viewed American participation in the war as a potential boon to the Socialist cause because he thought the military's demand for food, shelter, and munitions would force the government to adopt some socialist ideas.

Xenophobia & the War's End

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Fighting Bob La Follette

Portrait of Robert M. La Follette during his tenure as U.S. senator from Wisconsin. View the original source document: WHI 10650

Until 1918, German culture became suspect in America. Some Wisconsin towns refused to teach German in in their schools. German books were burned in Wisconsin streets. Anyone with a German name was a target for harassment. A popular notice from the American Defense Society stated that any German American, "unless known by years of association to be absolutely loyal, should be treated as a potential spy." 

Despite outspoken opponents, most Wisconsin citizens supported the war. Business, labor and farms all enjoyed great prosperity form the war. Over 118,000 went into military service. Wisconsin was the first state to report in the four national draft registrations and was commended by the army for its efficiency.

Wisconsin was the first state to organize a State and County Councils of Defense. The organizations educated citizens about the war. The groups also instructed citizens the sacrifices that the government demanded, such as meatless and wheatless days. After the war, Wisconsin returned to the Progressive leader of Robert La Follette.

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Explore the Turning Points in Wisconsin History Collection

[Sources: The History of Wisconsin vol 4 and 5 (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin); Kasparek, Jon, Bobbie Malone and Erica Schock. Wisconsin History Highlights: Delving into the Past (Madison: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2004); "Through the World Wars" Wisconsin Veterans Museum online); "Wisconsin War Letters: World War I." University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee]