World War I, also known as the First World War or the Great War, was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from July 28, 1914, to Nov. 11, 1918. This war was described as “the war to end all wars,” and led to the mobilization of more than 70 million military personnel, including 6 million Europeans, making it one of the largest wars in history.
It is also one of the deadliest conflicts in history, with an estimated 9 million combatants and 7 million civilian deaths as a direct result. This war was devastating to the world because everyone was caught up in it.
The war was declared by various countries in August of 1914. The first battle was October to November of 1914. The soldiers on both sides initiated a Christmas truce.
The second battle was from April 22 to May 25 and was the first time poison gas was used. The poison gas was used by Germany. In February 1917, Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare. Then in April of 1917, the United States declared war on Germany.
In June of 1917, United States troops began arriving in France. November 1917, the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia resulted in a Communist government. In December of 1917, the United States declared war on Austria-Hungary. In March of 1918, Soviet Russia concluded separate peace negotiations with their enemies. U-boats appeared in United States waters for the first time in May of 1918.
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.
World War I was the first global conflict. It involved the central powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire against the Allied forces of Great Britain and the United States, France, Russia, Italy and Japan. The introduction of modern technology to warfare resulted in unprecedented carnage and destruction.
Brown County, Indiana was deeply affected by this war. We are sharing the names of the service men we have on record here at the History Center. They are: Lawrence Glen Brown, John Melvin Crouch, Oddie Crouch, Donald Iros Ford, Ray Griffin, Ernie Clyde Hutchings, Jessie Jones, Arthur Moore, Lew Estel Schrock, Walter Shulz, Charles G. Sturgeon, Claude William Tipton, John Raymond White, Wilbur Anderson Guthrie, John Wesley Hovis and Sherman Laurin Rhude.
Some of these casualties are buried where they died, and some are buried here in their home county. If you know anyone from WWI not listed here, give us a call and share their name and information with us. We would very much like to have their name and information to add to the Gold Star list here in the History Center.
Please examine the photo attached to this article. Can you identify anyone for us?
We currently have an Indiana Historical Society exhibit loaned to us on World War I, “The Great War.” The exhibit will be available for viewing until Sunday, July 21.
— Pauline Hoover, Brown County Historical Society
