In commemoration of the centennial of WWI, join Dr. Scott Wolford for a look at how the Great War, and the collective mobilization to support the war effort, was experienced here at home. Combining perspective on the trajectory of the War on the battlefield itself along with day-to-day efforts of folks on the home front, this discussion will shine a light on the contributions and sacrifices of everyday Americans. This program is hosted in conjunction with opening of the Neill Cochran House Museum's exhibit, "The War at Home: World War I comes to Texas," and as a primer for WWI America opening at the Bullock Museum in 2019. This engaging conversation will put the war effort and these exhibitions into historical and political context.
Program presented in partnership between the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Friends of the Governor's Mansion and Neill-Cochran House Museum.
Dr. Scott Wolford is an associate professor in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include war and peace, international military coalitions, international law and institutions, national leaders and international conflict, and game theory. His first book, The Politics of Military Coalitions, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2015 and his next book titled World War I in Real Time: A Course in Game Theory and International Security will also be published by Cambridge University Press. His forthcoming book is based in part on a class he has been teaching at UT which pays tribute to the centennial anniversary of The Great War by devoting each class to learning about the events that occurred exactly one century ago. According to Wolford, the goal is to push students to view the war from multiple perspectives and see politics through one major world event, "but it’s also a really good chance to turn peoples’ understanding of the war upside down.”
Image credits:
Z. P. Nikolaki. "Hello! This is Liberty speaking." 1918. Texas War Records War Poster collection, Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin
Edward Penfield. "Every girl pulling for victory. Victory girls united war campaign" circa 1918. World War I Posters Collection, Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin.