
An insightful look at the First World War unfolds through the lens of the people who fought for democracy and human rights. The author traces the conflict’s origins, explains why the United States entered the fight, and examines the technology and tactics that reshaped modern warfare. Richly illustrated with contemporary photographs, the narrative brings the battlefields and the era’s innovations vividly to life.
Central to the work is a detailed account of African‑American soldiers and sailors, highlighting their remarkable service and the challenges they faced. By weaving personal stories with broader political analysis, the book shows how Black patriotism helped shape the war’s outcome and foreshadows the struggle for full civil rights after the armistice. Readers gain a nuanced understanding of both the global stakes of the war and the enduring impact of those who served.
Language
en
Duration
~20 hours (1174K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Graeme Mackreth, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2006-09-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1863–1939
A pioneering Black scholar and public thinker, he helped shape debates on education, race, and social progress in the United States. His writing and teaching made him one of the most influential African American intellectuals of his era.
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