Remembering World War I: A 100-year reflection
LeClaire soldiers help represent those who have lost their lives for our country in WW1 commemoration assembly
November 14, 2018
Imagine it is Nov 11, 1918 Paris, France. Half of the world’s countries have just fought a war that caused over 40 million civilian and military casualties. This past weekend was the 100 year anniversary of the ending of World War I helping create the American holiday Veterans (Armistice) Day to honor those who fought for our country in this massive war.
World War I was started after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist, which caused the Austria-Hungary Empire to declare war on Serbia. Since Serbia was such a small country, Russia decided to support them in their cause for fighting against the massive Austria-Hungary Empire.
Germany also decided to support Austria-Hungary creating two different sides; Austria-Hungary and Germany being the Central Powers and Serbia, Russia, France (as well as a few other countries) being the Allies.
Over the course of the war, countries from South America such as Bolivia and Peru and the United States were involved in trying to fight for their own nationalism and the destruction of Empires, which ended up creating completely new borders for Europe.
By the end of the war, much of Europe and the Middle East was destroyed, giving citizens in countries a new sense of nationalism and honor in fighting for their countries. This newfound sense of nationalism eventually led to other historical events such as the Great Depression, World War II and eventually even 9/11.
Quique Riojas-Berzaluce, a sophomore at Pleasant Valley High School, is an avid history lover who has helped plan the recent Veteran’s Day Assembly says this about the impact of World War I. “World War I was one of the dirtiest wars the world has ever seen and taught the world that we are all in this together” he said passionately.
“One may wonder how the shooting of a Serbian nationalist cause the United States to get involved, but over time it eventually it got the entire world involved because we need each other to help combat the other countries.”
He then continues to explain why remembering World War I should be important to PVHS students. “I think culturally, the first world war changed how we see war. The trenches and illness were horrible, and many of the soldiers left with psychological damage forever.
“It showed modern war and the absolute destruction that war can cause. As students, we need to remember the pain that was endured for our fellow countries and be educated citizens of the world and how it impacted the world as a whole.”
World War I may not have been the most effectual historical event discussed in America, but the pain that is felt from families of soldiers, the economy, and patriotism as a whole are memories in which makes World War I impactful. or feel relevant, but the pain felt by the soldiers is something that needs to be remembered.
Pleasant Valley history teacher Sara Russell said, “We have been fortunate that we have not experienced large scale world wars since World War I and World War II. When one looks at World War I, it is important to remember that our entire country made sacrifices from our boys on the front line, many who were drafted to serve, who gave their lives to those at home working for the war effort and making personal sacrifices like rationing to support the war.”
As this 100 year anniversary of World War I comes upon the country, it is important to remember that despite not having served in the war or even seen the horrors of it, any war, especially a world war is something that must be remembered by the Pleasant Valley community so its legacy and memory can continue forever.
