Current History: A Monthly Magazine of the New York Times, May 1918 Vol. VIII, Part I, No. 2

A snapshot of the world at a turning point, this 1918 issue captures the intensity of the Great War as it unfolded across Europe and beyond. Filled with contemporary photographs of leaders such as President Wilson and General Foch, the pages convey the urgency of a conflict that involved millions of soldiers on a 150‑mile front. The magazine’s tone balances factual reporting with the immediacy of wartime correspondence.

The contents span battlefield analyses, including a detailed look at the fierce fighting in Picardy, and first‑hand accounts of Allied coordination after Foch assumed command. Readers also find essays on the home front—covering the American Red Cross, aircraft production shortages, and political debates in the United States, Britain, and Russia. Illustrated with rotogravure art and cartoons, the issue offers visual insight into the war’s human and technological dimensions.

Beyond the front lines, the publication explores diplomatic currents, from Russian upheavals to peace initiatives discussed by European leaders. Briefs on naval operations, U‑boat activity, and even the role of messenger dogs add unexpected texture. Together, these pieces provide a well‑rounded portrait of a world striving to steer through one of history’s most desperate months.