Goodbye Billy: America Goes to War 1917-18

Year Published: 1971

Creator: American Historical Association

Copyright: Registered 5Oct71 · MU8370 (Jul-Dec 1971) Copyright holder: R. C. Raach, Wm. F. Malloch & Patrick H. Griffin, partnership under fictitious business names of Cadre & Cadre Films

Complete Record: Uses archive footage and old phonograph recordings to depict America's emotional reactions to World War I. Recreates scenes, songs, and speeches to show the fervor of the country's psychological readiness for war. Utilizes battle footage to contrast the attitudes of the returning soldiers with that of government officials, politicians, scientists, and Americans who weren't directly involved in the fighting. Depicts America's emotional reactions to World War I, using archival film and vintage photographs, posters, and phonograph recordings. Combat footage shows conditions at the front, and the attitudes of returning soldiers are contrasted with those of civilians far removed from the fighting. Produced for the American Historical Association. Surveys the history of the United States in World War I at home and at the battle fronts. A documentary compiled of authentic war films set to vintage sound, designed to stimulate student interest in further study of the war and the times.