World War I: Scenes from the Front, 1918

Duration: 5:20. Silent. Black & White.

Description and Context:

This film, produced by the United States Army, juxtaposes documentary footage of battle scenes with the government’s message about the successes of the U.S. forces abroad. In the era before television, the government produced films to influence public opinion and to keep civilians informed about the battlefield experiences of their husbands, sons, and brothers. Use this film see historical scenes from World War I battles and, also, to think about the tactics the government used with the Committee on Public Information to motivate moral at home.

Questions to Consider:

How would you characterize the fighting?

What message does the government try to convey to civilians viewing at home about the course of the war?