The 1910s

While called the Spanish flu because Spain was where the first outbreak was reported, one current suspicion is that the origin was in China - or maybe even France - but no one knows for sure. Since World War 1 was still being fought there was a blackout on news in many locations. Wherever it originated, it exploded in the European theater where soldiers were in close proximity and quickly spread to other parts of the world. Just as World War 1 was ending in 1918, a new even more devastating killer emerged. While these are photos are of a pandemic 100 years ago, change the fashion and a few details, and you will see many familiar sights.

On the 11th day of the 11th month at 11am in 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany in Compiègne, France. The Armistice ended hostilities on the Western Front of the War and led to the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War 1 in 1919. During the 4 years of active fighting, more than 70 million soldiers, including 60 million Europeans, were involved - making it one of the largest wars in history. About 9 million soldiers and 7 million civilians were killed in the war. Still known as Armistice Day around the world, the day was re-named "Veterans Day" in the U.S. in 1954. Veterans of all wars are honored - living and dead. These family owned photos celebrate the heroes of WW1 from all over the world.

In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson was just beginning his second term in office, and the United States entered the 'Great War' World War I which began in Europe three years earlier. Women were still seeking the right to vote and labor and race disputes (and riots) were common. Tsar Nicholas II abdicated and Lenin and the Bolsheviks took over Russia, making it a communist country. While technology and fashion have drastically changed, the challenges people face remain much the same. There was war, protests and strikes, racial unrest, and America began its path of "making the world safe for democracy" in the words of President Wilson. These are the pictures of everyday life in 1917.

This video shows the fashions, hairstyles, contraptions (okay, buggies and cars), and activities of the early 1900's. The dresses are lovely - but how did people move and breathe in that restrictive clothing? It's amazing how hardy our ancestors were! It took a lot of effort (and time) to be stylish and then go out and play. (Be sure to turn up your speakers to hear the tunes of the day.)

To some the 1910's is considered the beginning of modern fashion. Hems above the ankle... soft and fluid lines... Orientalism... harem pants and turbans... kimonos... hobble skirts... corsets to support, not constrict... lampshade tunics... the beginning of Chanel. What crazy decade in fashion was this? The 1910's!