On this page we will look back at life in the city during the war years. Here we will provide the visitor with the stories making the news, what was happening in sports and entertainment, city politics, the social scene and the prominent people at the time. So, check back often for new editions.

To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com

September 18 Through September 23, 1916

In 1916 Philadelphians like all Americans were growing increasingly concerned about national security. The ongoing civil war in Mexico was a constant threat to Americans living along the border. Mexican rebels under Pancho Villa had attacked American towns in Texas and New Mexico. Those attacks caused President Wilson to order the American Army under General John Pershing into Mexico to capture Villa. That situation coupled with the suspected German involvement in sabotage of American factories and German submarine attacks on American shipping gave rise to the National Preparedness Movement. The movement was led by Teddy Roosevelt and General Leonard Wood (shown below). The movement sought to prepare America for the very real possibility of a coming war. Philadelphians responded by forming organization like the Women’s Division for National Preparedness, the Drexel-Biddle Bible Class Military Training School and the creation of the Philadelphia School of Aviation. Read about the city then in “Philadelphia: The World War I Years“

GET YOUR COPY OF PHILADELPHIA: THE WORLD WAR I YEARS BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.