American Epistles

The fighting stopped on 11/11 at 11 a.m. But the needs continued. In the aftermath of World War I, among the rubble and ruin, American women continued to serve. Significant relief was provided by the American Fund for French Wounded (AFFW) and the Comité Américain pour les Régions Dévastées de France (CARD). Women like Anne Tracy Morgan used their wealth and social status to help the French rebuild their homes and villages long after the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

When, on April 6, 1917, Congress voted for a declaration of war on Germany, American women had already been involved in the care and comfort of European soldiers and civilians. Now that American men would be fighting, American women took on service as a patriotic duty. But not all women were given an equal opportunity to serve, nor did all American soldiers receive equal access to the welfare services.

Thousands of American women crossed the Atlantic Ocean to be of service to the soldiers and civilians suffering through World War I. Countless more served from their kitchens and communities in the United States. In this first episode of a three-part series on women's relief work, we will learn about some of the great contributions Americans made--especially women--before the US declared war on Germany.

While the majority of black soldiers serving in World War I were assigned to non-combat jobs such as loading and unloading cargo ships, and burying the dead, soldiers in the 93rd Division did see combat. This division included First Lieutenant James William Alston, whose letters are read in this episode. It also included the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

While the majority of black soldiers serving in World War I were assigned to non-combat jobs such as loading and unloading cargo ships, and burying the dead, soldiers in the 93rd Division did see combat. This division included First Lieutenant James William Alston, whose letters are read in this episode. It also included the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

We've all heard of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, but there were millions of women and men who spoke for, and against, women's suffrage.  Today's mini-episode shares a few of those voices.

We've all heard of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, but there were millions of women and men who spoke for, and against, women's suffrage.  Today's mini-episode shares a few of those voices.

Today's episode is a miniature one!  The Civil War is a familiar topic to most of us, and there are several podcasts on the topic.  Less familiar is the effect of the war on black women, who faced unique challenges while their loved ones were fighting.  Families in the North worried that their sons and husbands would be enslaved if captured by the Confederate Army.  Some white Southerners, who were angry about blacks fighting for the Union, took it out on the family members that the soldiers left behind.   Today we hear a small piece of those families' stories.

Today's episode is a miniature one!  The Civil War is a familiar topic to most of us, and there are several podcasts on the topic.  Less familiar is the effect of the war on black women, who faced unique challenges while their loved ones were fighting.  Families in the North worried that their sons and husbands would be enslaved if captured by the Confederate Army.  Some white Southerners, who were angry about blacks fighting for the Union, took it out on the family members that the soldiers left behind.   Today we hear a small piece of those families' stories.

In many ways, the North delivered on its promise.  The migrants enjoyed higher wages, better education for their children, and the opportunity to participate in the political process.  And they no longer had to behave in a subservient manner to white people. However, the migrants clashed culturally with the blacks who had preceded them. There were also violent clashes with whites.