As we are all aware, we are now in the midst of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Things have been underway for a while, and, as Kevin points out… while it might not be as big a deal as some might hope, there is still… something, somewhere going on. Oftentimes, there is more going on than may be obvious to us… and maybe that’s only because our scope of what is going on is so limited.
Now, if someone wants to complain, perhaps they should complain about the fact that 1) while we ponder over things related to the Civil War, we are also entering a Centennial, and 2) that Centennial is likely not going to have an equal amount of splash as that of the CW Sesquicentennial (or even a comparative splash). In fact, while the 100th anniversary of the First World War begins in 2014, we’ll be focused (well, a lot of us) on 1864 and not 1914. In fact, we might not gain an awareness of the fact that we are in the midst of the other “tennial” until… 2017, and even then, I think the majority won’t become aware until 2018.
The truth hurts, but it is a reflection of how a lot of folks take their history… American-centered. No, I’m not talking about American exceptionalism, but our perspective of history in the big scheme of things. We focus so hard on ourselves, and lose sight of the larger story, in which we played a part. Instead of starting to look at things as they developed in the eyes of America in 1914, when the war was set afire, we’re probably not going to start looking at events until we jumped into the fire. We have a weird backwards look at history sometimes… and in this case, with the First World War, the benchmark for centennial will likely begin with the anniversary of the point in time where U.S. military involvement actually began… and then we’ll catch-up on all that went on to lead up to that time. This is a bigger tragedy than that which Guelzo seems to see with the Civil War Sesquicentennial. In the scope of American history, both events are huge, and the events leading up to each are no less huge… yet our reflections on the two periods of time is not balanced.
Maybe I’m being Guelzo’ian in my view of the Centennial of the First World War… as we, as Americans, are going to see it… but I don’t think my concern is unfounded. The reality is that despite how significant the First World War was in our national history, we won’t give it due credit… sad for that reason, and the reason that so many Americans sacrificed in that war… on the battlefront, and yes, even at home, here an ocean away from the battlefields (if you understand the emphasis then for sacrifices that needed to be made on the homefront to win the war “over there”, you get what I’m talking about… for a taste, take a look at the posters to the left and right). Even more, there is a teaching moment here… where we can actually show the significance of the First World War in relation to the American Civil War… but will there be an effort made?
*These poster images and more can be found at First World War.com
JMRudy
September 2, 2010
To throw another monkey wrench into the mix, the bicentennial of the War of 1812 will also be occurring during the same period. We as Americans LOVE forgetting the Korea of the 19th century, though, so that shouldn’t be such a problem. Maryland has come out with a special license plate, but I won’t hold my breath for much else.
Robert Moore
September 2, 2010
You are correct. I guess the third “tennial” gives different states and entities some degree of wiggle room as to what they decide rates higher on the “need to commemorate” list.
John Miller
September 2, 2010
Robert,
Your point is well taken. I too have thought about the 100th Anniversary of World War One and how it would be honored and remembered. But here is something different in regards to the 150th CW. In Maryland, the main focus will not be the American Civil War, the main focus will be on another forgotten war, the War of 1812.
Robert Moore
September 2, 2010
I think Maryland, my Maryland is taking the low road on this… avoiding a sensitive topic, and picking the lesser if the cash cows available. Not that 1812 isn’t important, but the silence on the ACW is painful.
Dick Stanley
September 2, 2010
Will Britain and France take the lead on a WW1 commemoration? Do they want to remember their lost generations? As for Maryland, skipping the ACW, well, Maryland didn’t secede. So they have an excuse, I suppose.
Jimmy Price
September 3, 2010
H.R. 6960 was introduced in Congress “To establish the World War I centennial commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I.” It was referred to the House Committe on Oversight and Public Reform and, as far as I know, has stayed there. I know that the WWI museum in Kansas City is also trying to get congress to designate them as the national WWI memorial. Not sure if that will fly, but they seem like the best place (I haven’t been there myself, but I can’t imagine there being a better place).
Robert Moore
September 3, 2010
Certainly, the museum in KC offers an excellent opportunity, but I was a little let down about the way they handle the AEF. Maybe I was expecting to much, but didn’t feel quite satisfied with what they exhibited compared to all the rest there. Still a great museum. They did offer some hands-on interactive features that were unique and things I have not seen elsewhere.
Robert Moore
September 3, 2010
That should read ” too much”
Robert Moore
September 3, 2010
Oh, and I still think it’s a shame that there is no Natl monument for WWI near all the others in D.C. After all the years since then, it just seems incredibly odd.
John Stoudt
September 4, 2010
Robert:
Are you familiar with the Indiana War Memorial, located in Indianapolis? It is a huge, imposing structure — it reminded me of an ancient step pyramid (or ziggurat, for scrabble points).
The interior was closed on the day when I visited a few months ago, but the website lists the hours of operation along with photos of the interior. My Hoosier host described the interior of the Indiana War Memorial as a “shrine to American Exceptionalism, or civil religion run amok.”
Robert Moore
September 4, 2010
Yes, familiar wit hit, but have never been there. Wasn’t it initially a G.A.R. project that expanded into the post WWI years?
John Stoudt
September 4, 2010
Good question. I am not sure, but it would not surprise me if that was the case.
Ken Noe
September 8, 2010
Your host was accurate. It resides somewhere between Egyptian temple and big city bank:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Indiana_World_War_Memorial_interior.jpg
Alabama is marking the Creek War/War of 1812 (200th), Civil War (150th) and Civil Rights Movement (50th).
Mike Simons
September 8, 2010
I agree the Nation seems to pick and choose what it wants to remember. I plan on doing both since my WW1 vet lived until 1977 and I got to hear his stories and see some of his trophys that included an spiked Kiaser Helmet and a British Welbey (sp) Pistol.
Robert is correct it is an unexcusable shame there is no WW 1 monument in DC.
Robert Moore
September 8, 2010
Seems like it’s not so much the nation, but individual states picking and choosing with the three upcoming “tennials.”
Mike Simons
September 9, 2010
We must not forget the poor state of the economy and it’s impact on what and how much we celebrate and remember this times of History.
Robert Moore
September 9, 2010
I didn’t forget…. but that isn’t explaining the lack of interests in some states in participating in some commemorations, especially in states where tourism economy has ties to things like Civil War battlefields. I don’t believe, for example, that Maryland’s lack of participation is explained in the economic situation. Likewise, lack of commemorative events for WWI will, in time, likely be attributed to a simple lack of great interest in remembering that war, and its place in our collective historical consciousness. Museums where the war matters in the interpretation, will do things, but not likely to be seen on the community level. We have “forgotten” its significance on that level.