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Introduction

In the months that preceded the United States' entry into World War I, the State of Connecticut, led by Governor Marcus Holcomb, undertook the significant task of preparing the citizens of Connecticut for war. With authorization from the Connecticut General Assembly, Governor Holcomb appointed the Council of Defense, which was charged with mobilizing and coordinating the deployment of all civilian resources necessary for the war effort. This included numerous initiatives to educate and involve foreign-born residents of the state. At the same time, efforts to "Americanize" the foreign-born population focused on instilling and demanding their loyalty to the American cause.

Jim Brown, December 15, 2016

Credits: David Corrigan, Curator of Museum of Connecticut History; Connecticut State Library Archives