With the same patriotic fervor as Maine's response to a call for troops in the Civil War, more than 35,000 men and women across the state joined the armed forces in 1917–1918 to fight in aid of America's European allies against Germany, as well as to redress German destruction of American vessels in the North Atlantic. Mainers also provided vital support to the United States and the Allies through war-related industries, like shipbuilding, munitions, textiles, and agriculture, while purchasing more than $100 million in war bonds and donating bandages, books, and other comforts of home to the troops. The war may have been "over there," but its effects were found throughout the state of Maine.
Jason C. Libby has authored several local histories and has worked in historic preservation. He currently serves as a history adjunct faculty member and as a member of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. Earle G. Shettleworth Jr. served as the director of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission for four decades and as Maine's state historian since 2004. He has authored or coauthored nine other Arcadia publications.