The special screenings of Peter Jackson’s World War I documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old, apparently have been very successful. Originally plans were to open it to general release in the top 25 markets on February 1. Instead, the general release will include 500 theaters in 150 markets.
Month: January 2019 (Page 1 of 2)
It looks like a very quiet weekend for World War I programming on the C-SPAN networks, with only one program scheduled. Times are Central.
–WWII Commanders Trained During the First World War. Airs Sunday evening at 7:40 p.m., and repeats at 11:40 p.m.
Shortly after declaring war in 1917, the Wilson Administration was faced with the reality of having to pay for the massive military build-up required. Tax increases and monetary expansion were ruled out, leaving only borrowing as an option.
- On April 24th, 1917, the Emergency Loan Act authorized $5 billion. $1.9 billion in bonds were issued at 3.5%, 30 years maturity, callable at 15. Interest on up to $30,000 in bonds held was tax exempt.
- On October 1st, 1917 the Second Liberty Loan Act authorized up to $15 billion. $3.8 billion in bonds were issued at 4%, 25 years maturity, callable at 10.
- On April 5th, 1918 the Third Liberty Loan Act authorized $3 billion. $4.1 billion in bonds were issued at 4.15%, 10 year maturity. Limited to $45,000 per person.
- On September 28th, 1918 the Fourth Liberty Loan Act authorized $6 billion. $6.9 billion in bonds were issued at 4.25%, 20 year maturity, callable at 15. These were redeemable in gold.
- On April 21st, 1919 the Victory Loan Act authorized $4.5 billion at 4.75% four years maturity callable at three. These were redeemable in gold and tax-exempt.
All of the bonds were sold directly to the public by banks. In order to stimulate sales Bond Rallies were held, featuring parades, speeches and free performances by movie stars. The Four Minute Man campaign featured short speeches in public assemblies where prominent local persons urged the purchase of bonds. There was an installment purchase plan whereby persons could buy 25 cent War Savings Stamps and when 200 had been acquired the stamp books could be exchanged for a $50 bond.
While passing through St. Louis recently I stopped at the recently reopened Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. The Memorial was opened in 1938 as a tribute to those from St. Louis who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War.
In 2015 the Missouri Historical Society assumed control of the operations of the Memorial and immediately began a revitalization of it. This past November 3rd, the Memorial reopened to the public.
This weekend’s WWI viewing on the C-SPAN networks. As usual, all times are Central.
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–Garrett Peck: The Great War in America. Airs Saturday morning, January 26th at 7:00 a.m.
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–World War I Fighter Pilot Culture. Airs Sunday morning, January 27th at 6:05 a.m.
WW1 Tanks You Can See
This table lists data about the four most common tanks used by both sides in WW1. You can read more about the FT-17 here.
The entry ‘Marks’ encompasses all the British Heavy Tanks, variously designated as Mark I,II,III, IV and V.
The largest number of surviving examples are at The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset U.K. There are eight FT-17’s, one Mark IV, one Mark V and one Whippet on display in the U.S.
Echoes of the Great War – American Experiences of World War I is an outstanding exhibit at the Library of Congress. It has been running since April 4th, 2017 and is closing on Monday. However, you can visit it online.
Just in case the word hasn’t reached some sources yet, the Peter Jackson WWI documentary, “They Shall Not Grow Old,” is getting an encore screening this coming Monday, January 21st. If you missed the previous showings, here’s another opportunity to see it; if you want to see it again, here’s the opportunity.
Upcoming World War I programming on the C-SPAN networks this coming weekend:
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–Douglas Mastriano, Thunder in the Argonne. Airs at 4:00 a.m. Monday morning, January 21st.
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–World War I Lessons. With Michael Neiberg and Geoffrey Wawro. Airs at 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning, January 20th.
100 years ago in Kansas, February, 1919.
February 4, 1919.
-Lt. George S. Robb, Salina, was awarded the Congressional (sic) Medal of Honor for action in France, September 29-30, 1918. The official citation read: “He held his position on the front line all night though severely wounded twice, and although wounded twice again the following day, assumed command when his captain and company officers were killed, and by flanking the town of Sechault with machine guns, aided his battalion in holding it.”