

World War I

Would You Be Able to Pass a World War I Military Literacy Test?
Potential recruits had to answer questions like ‘Is genuine happiness a priceless treasure?,’ ‘Are avenues usually paved with oxygen?,’ and ‘Do you cordially recommend forgery?’
How the Doughnut Became a Symbol of Volunteerism During World War I
While enjoying a free doughnut on National Doughnut Day, remember the women who introduced the treat to soldiers during World War I.
5 Misconceptions About World War I
We're shedding light on some common misconceptions about World War I, including who was actually involved and when the fighting officially ended.
A New Albanian Crisis
September 16, 1913: In 1912 and 1913, a series of crises centered on Albania repeatedly brought Europe to the edge of war.

How World War I Turned Peanut Butter Into a Kitchen Staple
Celebrate National Peanut Butter Day with a World War I-era recipe for peanut loaf or peanut butter soup.
9 Mysterious Secret Societies From Around the World
Some of history's most infamous secret societies have planned revolutions and assassinations—others, are happy enough just to hang around college campuses.
You Can Help the National Archives Keep a Photographic Record of World War I
The National Archives needs citizens to help make its collection of WWI photographs and historical documents searchable.
Anti-Pasta: When Italian Futurists Tried to Ban Pasta in Italy
Futurist leaders considered pasta an “absurd Italian gastronomic religion” that went against the grain of fascism (literally).
5 World War I-Era Tips for Celebrating Thanksgiving in Strange Times
Thanksgiving may look different in 2020, but history provides some surprising insights on how to approach the menu, traditions, and celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Woodrow Wilson Caught the 1918 Flu During a Pandemic, But Hid It From the Public
Woodrow Wilson never publicly acknowledged the 1918 influenza pandemic—not even after he caught the virus himself.
This Video From 1923 Shows a U.S. Biplane Creating a Smoke Screen to Conceal Itself in Open Waters
World War I generated lots of new technology, including smoke screens that looked as large and solid as the Wall from ‘Game of Thrones.’
To Avoid Grocery Shopping, Quarantined Americans Are Reviving Wartime-Era Victory Gardens
Victory gardens were originally a way to supplement food supplies during World Wars I and II. Now, Americans are bringing them back in response to COVID-19 concerns.
The 25 Greatest War Movies of All Time
It makes sense that master filmmakers keep returning to old wars to tell new stories, as war movies have all the elements needed for a compelling tale. From medieval epics to modern thrillers, here are 25 of the best of them.
Henry Johnson, the One-Man Army Who Fought Off Dozens of German Soldiers During World War I
In May 1918, Henry Johnson found himself alone in a French forest with a wounded ally, an empty rifle, and dozens of German soldiers closing in. He didn't run. He fought.
Reconstructing History: Anna Coleman Ladd, the Mask Artist of World War I
An artist and sculptor, Anna Coleman Ladd offered her talents to soldiers who had been badly disfigured fighting in World War I. Her masks helped restore their appearance and their self-confidence.
20 Slang Terms From World War I
Though it was more than 100 years ago—on April 6, 1917—that the United States entered the First World War, its effect on our language continues.
The Time German and Russian WWI Soldiers Banded Together to Fight Wolves
WWI fighters had a lot to fear in battle—but few thought they'd be battling wolves.
WWI Centennial: Armistice
"The war to end war" finally ends.
WWI Centennial: Allies Triumph In Italy, German Sailors Mutiny
Central Europe fragments while Germany sees the final throes of battle.More From the History Section

Why Don't All U.S. States Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Alaska and Hawaii avoid changing their clocks back and forth for specific reasons.
Where Did the Phrase "See You Later, Alligator" Come From?
The phrase "See you later, alligator" predates rock 'n' roll. Here's how 19th-century rhyming slang created a permanent piece of American pop culture.
5 Common Misconceptions About Día de los Muertos
Learn the real history of Día de los Muertos as we clear up common myths about its Aztec origins, ofrenda symbols, and how it differs from Halloween.
8 Old West Slang Words That Deserve a Cowboy Comeback
These frontier expressions are fixin’ to ride their way back into your vocabulary!
8 Expressions Our Grandparents Used That Are Disappearing
Certain phrases that were once a common part of language are fading because they just didn't age well.
7 Forgotten Mischief Night Pranks You Used to See Every Year
The night before Halloween still has its nicknames, but most of what kids actually did on it has disappeared.
What Was Trick-or-Treating Like in the 1950s?
We have the 1950s to thank for cementing the tradition of trick-or-treating into our Halloween culture.

