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Assassination
On June 28, 1914 Ferdinand was shot along with his wife as well. While they were visiting Sarajevo. They both were shot by Gavrilo Princip. From this many events started to happen which ultimately led into ww1. -
official start of WW1
On August 4, 1914 in hopes of capturing Paris. German forces demanded free passage from Belgium but hoping to stay neutral the government denied the demand. However, German troops still arrived in August, 1914 and crossed the Belgian border. Instead of sitting idle the Belgian army chose to side with the allies and fight against Germany. -
Christmas Truce
It all started when on christmas eve when certain troops along the western front began to sing christmas carols across the lines to each other. Once it was actually christmas morning German troops had gotten out of their trenches while walking toward allied troops while saying merry christmas. The men begin to exchange things for gifts and sang songs together, some also played a game of soccer. Some men took this little grace period to get the soldiers who had died in no man's land. -
Germans Start Using Flamethrowers
On Feb. 26, 1915 they were used against French troops. There were some disadvantages to the flamethrowers such as it’s short range of the flame reach only 18 meters which is less than 1/10 of a mile. On July 30, 1915 flamethrowers were then used to rush soldiers out of trenches. -
Germas Start Using Gas
On April 1915 on the western front poison gas was used for the first time. Germans fired more than 150 tons of lethal gas against French divisions. Germany was the first country to do this in war. Other countries had used small amounts of tear-gas like things but nothing to this extent. -
Seletive Service Act
Some six weeks after President Wilson had declared war on Germany this act was put into place. When war was declared there was only around 100,00 men who volunteered. One of the main things the allied party needed was new men on the western front, this obviously wasn’t enough so the draft was instituted. Any men within the age of 21-30 was registered into the draft. In the first couple months nearly 10 million men were enlisted to the draft. -
Letter to His Mother
In this letter Henry talks of how he is enjoying himself as much as he can. Also, how he is sending his mother a newspaper from where is at. he is asking how everyone is at home. He is sending pictures even though he knows they aren’t the best but they will still do. -
Newpaper Clipping
In the clipping it tells of how Henry Edwin Kunath has been sent to Guddings. It talks of who his family is. How he will be training for the army in Guddings. This is one of the many clippings in his collection. -
Fabric Folder
This was basically a small little bag for Henry to put certain things in. His bag is a simple white folder with embroidery. In silver it reads “remember me”. There are also some birds on the front. -
Armistice Day
The armistice was signed in the 11th month, 11th day, 11th hour ended war on the western front. This day was then known to recognise and honor people who served in ww1. However, in 1938 U.S. congress passed to change this day to veterans day. Now we know this day to honor all veterans, active or not, served anywhere or anytime. -
Clipping
In another news clipping it talks about a letter Henry wrote to his mother. It talks of how he is fine. He is packing to be shipped to France. Henry will be leaving on a friday from New Jersey. -
S.S. Henry R. Mallory
This is a postcard Kunath had sent to his mother. On the front you can see a large vessel which is the S.S. Henry R. Mallory. It reads “Greetings from the Jewish Welfare Board to Soldiers and Sailors of the U.S. Army and Navy.” -
Treaty of Versailles
This was the document that ended the war. Britain, Russia, America, and Italy with little help from Germany came up with 440 articles being 15 parts. This basically blamed Germany for the war and gave them consequences. For example, they had to pay reparations, Germany was allowed to only have a certain number of men in their army and they must be volunteers. They were allowed no submariners or planes and could have only 6 ships for battle. Signed on June 28, 1919.
