1917
About
1917 — the year the Great War became truly global.
1917 captures the pivotal moment when the United States joined the conflict and Canada proved its strength on the battlefield. Through the words of contemporary newspapers, author Melina Druga chronicles the year that changed everything for North America.
As President Woodrow Wilson leads the United States into war, the nation debates patriotism, pacifism and preparedness. Across the border, Canadian troops achieve a stunning victory at Vimy Ridge, a moment later hailed as the country’s coming of age. Druga’s narrative brings to life the headlines, editorials and voices that shaped both nations’ identities amid turmoil, fear and pride.
From the halls of Congress to the muddy slopes of France, 1917 reveals how journalism shaped history in real time. Drawing on authentic articles from The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Ottawa Journal, and more, this compelling volume offers readers an intimate, unfiltered view of the year America went to war and Canada earned its place among nations.
Perfect for readers of military history, historical nonfiction, and media studies, this is history told by those who lived it.
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Praise for this book
Melina Druga's 1917 offers a unique glimpse into the pivotal year of World War I through the lens of contemporary newspapers in Canada and the United States. The book focuses on two major events: the United States entering the war and Canada's victory at Vimy Ridge. Druga explores how these events were reported at the time, highlighting the contrasting national attitudes. While America prepared for war with a sense of patriotic fervor, Canada’s military success at Vimy Ridge was seen as a moment of national pride and identity. The book doesn’t offer a traditional narrative but instead immerses readers in the real-time reporting of these crucial events.
I thoroughly enjoyed 1917 for its insightful portrayal of how wartime journalism shaped public perception and sentiment. It made me feel like I was stepping into a time capsule and I appreciated its look into history. Melina Druga’s approach, drawing on primary sources, offers a raw and unfiltered examination of the period. I appreciated the way she captured the urgency and complexity of the U.S. entry into the war and Canada’s significant military achievement. The themes of nationalism, propaganda, and the human cost of war are explored in a balanced, thought-provoking tone. The pace was suited to the historical context, and the vivid descriptions of the events and the diverse voices from newspaper accounts created a compelling narrative.