University of Toronto scholar Paul Lawrie delivers a talk entitled, "Doin' Time in the White Man's Army: African Americans and the Political Economy of Military Labor in World War One, 1917-1919". Lawrie describes the experience of black soldiers in the U.S. Army which replicated the forced labor of the chain-gang in segregated labor battalions. He explains why African-American troops were prevented from assuming combat roles, even as French colonial troops from West Africa engaged the Germans. Lawrie describes how "Jim Crow" laws were institutionalized in the Army, even to the point of returning, uniformed soldiers, being lynched as they tried to go home. Question and answer session follows. Lawrie is introduced by Professor John P. Beck, Associate Director, Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations. Part of the "Our Daily Work/Our Daily Lives" Brown Bag series sponsored by the MSU School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, the MSU Museum, and MSU's African-American and African Studies Program. Held at the MSU Museum.
Attorney General of the United States Alexander Palmer speaking as a presidential candidate at the 1920 Democratic Convention. He speaks about Americans and their courageous action during World War I, and the importance of mixing party philosophies in time of war.
President Obama delivers remarks at Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium honoring the sacrifice of American and European troops in World War One. Obama describes how current efforts to keep the peace honors their memory. He quotes the closing line from "In Flanders Fields," a poem by Canadian soldier John McRae. Obama honors his hosts, King Philippe and Prime Minister di Rupo of Belgium.
British Admiral Jellicoe speaking in Royal Albert Hall early in World War I. Jellicoe describes the struggle as Armageddon. There is some extraneous background noise in the recording.
A speech entitled "Call of America," delivered by Senator James Hamilton Lewis (D-IL), in 1917 to fellow Senators, justifying American involvement in World War One.
Mae-Marie Irons talks about the Women's Overseas Service League's 52nd Annual Convention held at the Sheraton-Palace Hotel in San Francisco from July 15 to July 19, 1972. She provides a short description of the proceedings based upon her own recollections and from a news story published in the San Francisco Chronicle on July 17. Irons also reads a July 19, 1972 Chronicle story featuring quotes from WOSL member Mary Cutter as she recalls her senior year at Stanford University in 1904, helping survivors of the 1906 earthquake, volunteering for duty in France during World War One, and finally receiving recognition for her 1906 service from the City of San Francisco. Recording opens and closes with music from World War One.