Addams meets with the Italian prime minister, foreign minister, and the pope
When the women arrive in Rome, Italy, a very patriotic picture greets them, because Italy has only days earlier declared war on Austria-Hungary and Germany. Much like the previous meetings, in Rome Addams and Jacobs present the Hague conference resolutions, including the idea for a conference of neutrals, to Prime Minister Salandra and Foreign Minister Sonino, who reject them. They are able to secure an audience with the pope where they then discuss peace options and mediation for half an hour. The pope suggests that the United States must take a prominent roll in the mediation efforts.
Addams, Jane. “Factors in Continuing the War.” Women at The Hague. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1915. 124-41. Google Play Books. Web. 7 June 2017. Addams, Jane. "The Food of War." The Independent LXXXIV (1915): 430-31. Google Play Books. Web. 31 May 2017. Hamilton, Alice. “At the War Capitals.” The Survey XXXIV.19 (1915): 417-22. Archive.org. Web. 1 June 2017. “Miss Addams Finds War Idea Supreme.” The New York Times: 24 Jun. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,970: 3. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 10 June 2017. “Women Envoys Urge Neutrals to Meet.” The New York Times 16 Oct. 1915, vol. LXV no. 21,084: 3. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017.
Addams meets with the French prime minister and foreign minister
Foreign Minister Theophile Delcasse and Prime Minister Rene Viviani meet with the Addams and Jacobs. Addams and Jacobs find France bitter and immovable, and they dread their meetings with French women suffragettes. French pacifists are deeply disillusioned. The minister of foreign affairs, ever the militarist, is the least approachable of all, echoing the sentiments of many French who see Germany as the clear aggressor. The only policy for the French is the continuation of the war and victory over Germany.
Addams meets with leaders of the Belgian government-in-exile
Addams meets with Foreign Minister d'Avignon. He takes the delegation's mission seriously. Even though he expresses great feelings for peace, the minister tells the women that Belgium is in the hands of her allies and peace negotiations are up to them. Leaders of Belgium are staying in hotels and villas in Harve, France due to their country being occupied by the Germans since August of 1914.
In Bern, Switzerland, Addams and Jakobs meet with President Motta and Foreign Minister Hoffman. Motta tells Addams that now is not the time for neutral nations to meet and discuss a quick resolution to the war. He reassures her that Switzerland is ready to partake in peace discussions when the right time presents itself.
Addams departs Europe on the Old St. Louis for the United States
Addams leaves Europe and returns to the United States. Her highly-publicized activities in Europe over the past several months - specifically chairing the Women's Peace Summit and meeting with various foreign dignitaries, including presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers - have won her widespread praise in the American peace movement.
Addams, Jane. “Women War and Suffrage.” The Survey XXXV.6 (1915): 148. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 1 June 2017. “Jane Addams back from her peace tour.” The Survey XXXIV.15 (1915): 327. Archive.org. Web. 1 June 2017. "Jane Addams, back from the war capitals, reports." The Survey XXXIV.16 (1915): 347. Archive.org. Web. 31 May 2017. “Jane Addams Comes Home.” The New York Times: 6 Jul. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,982: 8. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 5 June 2017. “Miss Addams Finds War Idea Supreme.” The New York Times: 24 Jun. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,970: 3. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 10 June 2017. P. U. K. "The Welcoming of Jane Addams." The Survey XXXIV.16 (1915): 353-54. Archive.org. Web. 31 May 2017.
Addams gives a major speech on her peace efforts in Europe
Addams returns to the United States from Europe. Upon her arrival in New York City, she gives a speech about her experiences before an audience of thousands in Carnegie Hall. She makes several main points. First, in all the war capitals she visited, Addams says public officials spoke of the righteousness of their cause. Second, Addams underscores the desire of most statesmen for a negotiated solution to the war and their determination not to be the ones to call for it, fearing that their enemies might question their resolve and seek to exploit their "weaknesses" at the negotiating table. Third, each of the warring countries is divided into two camps. The "military party," which include nationalists and militarists, wants a military solution to the conflict. Though patriotic, the "civil party" fears that the longer the war continues, the greater the harm that will be done to society and the liberty of the people. Addams rails against the pervasiveness of militaristic ideas and allies the American peace movement with the civil parties throughout Europe.
“3,000 Hail Jane Addams.” The New York Times: 3 Jul. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,999: 9. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 23 June 2017. Addams, Jane. "The Revolt Against War." The Survey XXXIV.16 (1915): 355-59. Archive.org. Web. 31 May 2017. “Cheers Greet Peace Message of Jane Addams.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 23 Jul. 1915: 3. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 23 June 2017. Harding Davis, Richard. "An Insult to War." The New York Times: 13 Jul. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,989: 10. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 31 May 2017. “Jane Addams Wins Cheers of Thousands.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 10 Jul. 1915: 1. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 12 June 2017. "Miss Addams Tells of Quest for Peace." The New York Times: 10 Jul. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,986: 3. New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 31 May 2017. P. U. K. "The Welcoming of Jane Addams." The Survey XXXIV.16 (1915): 353-54. Archive.org. Web. 31 May 2017.
1887-1922 John Alfred Lomax consolidated his own soda bottling factory with fifteen others in 1887 to form the Chicago Consolidated Bottling Company; an early letterhead of Lomax’s is below. The name of the firm was changed to the Lomax Company in the 1920s, with listings for the Consolidated Bottling Company as late as 1922. RRH
1871-1935 Gale and Blocki was established in 1871, a reorganization of Gale Brothers wholesale and retail drug enterprise. The druggists also sold White Rock Ginger Ale produced by the White Rock Mineral Spring Company; an early advertisement for the product is below. The company closed in 1935. RRH
Addams meets with President Woodrow Wilson at his request to report on her experiences in Europe. She gives him a copy of the platform of the International Committee of Women for Permanent Peace. Wilson does not commit to calling an international peace conference, however. Addams and other peace activists follow up with Wilson and other top administration officials, including Colonel House and Secretary of State Robert Lansing. Still, Wilson equivocates. In 1918, when Wilson puts forward his peace plan, Addams maintains that sentiments and proposals expressed in it echo those of the 1915 women's peace platform. She nonetheless expresses great disappointment in Wilson, suggesting that the president lets two and one-half years of war and death transpire before offering terms to end the conflict.
“Jane Addams Home Today; Sees Wilson.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 22 Jul. 1915: 1, 2. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. 12 June 2017. “Jane Addams to See Wilson; Due Tomorrow.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 3 Jul. 1915: 3. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. 12 June 2017. “Jane Addams and Wilson to Talk Peace in Europe.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 10 Mar. 1915: 3. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. 12 June 2017. “Miss Addams Finds War Idea Supreme.” The New York Times: 24 Jun. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,970: 3. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 10 June 2017. “Miss Addams to See Wilson.” The New York Times: 20 Jul. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,996: 2. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 6 June 2017. “Too Early for Peace, The President Holds.” The New York Times: 22 Jul. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,998: 2. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “Women Urge Ban on Secret Treaties.” The New York Times 30 Apr. 1915, vol. LXIV no. 20,915: 3. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017.
Debate over military preparedness ensues
Wilson asks Congress to finance a number of new naval ships and aircraft carriers. The country begins a heated debate about American military preparedness. Addams and other peace activities mobilize against an increase in military spending and the size of the U.S. military.
“Women Oppose Big Army.” The New York Times 23 Feb. 1916, vol. LXV no. 21,214: 17. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017.
1891-? The Dinet & Delfosse drugstore appears in directories as early as 1891, just three years after its founders, Joseph Delfosse and Henry Dinet, graduated from the University of Illinois. The store spent much of its life in the Columbus Memorial Building (pictured below). The company still had two locations open in 1953, and may have remained open much longer. RRH
Henry Ford's Peace Ship, the Oscar II, sets sail for Europe
Publicizing the slogan "Out of the Trenches by Christmas," the Peace Ship, the Oscar II, sets sail for Europe from New York. On board is industrialist and philanthropist Henry Ford, who funds the expedition, along with scores of peace activists. Ford's purpose is to garner publicity for an international peace conference to end the war in Europe. The mission is unsuccessful and Ford, who catches influenza on board, returns to the United States four days after the ship's arrival in Norway. Earlier that year, Ford and Addams are in conversation about the event and her participating in it. Sensing that the mission would be marred by internal squabbling among prominent peace activists and condemned in the press, Addams balks at Ford's invitation. As the date of the ship's departure approaches, Addams formally withdraws, siting illness, a development that others come to refer to as Addams' "diplomatic disease" (Joslin, 182).
Lattimore, Florence L. “Aboard the Oscar II.” The Survey XXXV.16 (1916): 457-60. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 1 June 2017. “The New Kind of Militant Peace Plans.” The Survey XXXV.10 (1915): 227-8. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 1 June 2017.
Anti-militarism committee is established
An ally of Addams, Lilian Wald, and others associated with the settlement movement in Lower Manhattan, form what, in 1916, would become the American Union Against Militarism (AUAM), which opposes military preparedness by the United States and, unsuccessfully, advocates for a national war referendum. Addams supports the effort. The group opposes conscription once the U.S. enters the war in April of 1917. Many of the leaders of the AUAM later establish the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), of which Addams is a charter member.
“Anti-Militarism.” The Cambridge Tribune: 1 Jan 1916, vol. XXXVIII no. 44: 9. The Cambridge Tribune. Cambridge Public Library. Web. 14 June 2017. “Committee to Fight Huge War Budget.” The Survey XXXV.14 (1916): 370-1. Google Play Books. Web. 16 June 2017. “Suggestions from the Anti-Militarism Committee.” The Outlook CXII (January-April 1916): 4-5. Google Play Books. Web. 23 June 2017.
Addams attends the annual conference of the Women's Peace Party
Constructive peace built for the purpose of embracing the world is the ultimate goal of the Women's Peace Party. By January 1916, some 20,000 people have joined the party. The annual conference attracts a crowd of 2,500 and raises $10,000. A program is adopted with seven resolutions proposing the creation of a joint congressional committee to investigate United States military defenses and another peace conference at The Hague. The program urges for economic pressure to substitute for militarism. Military preparedness and the private manufacture of munitions are denounced. Addams is re-elected as party chairman.
“National Woman’s Peace Party.” The Survey XXXV.17 (1916): 492. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 1 June 2017.
Addams testifies before House Foreign Affairs Committee on Hague Conference
With Lucia Ames Mead and Sophonisba Breckenridge, Addams give testimony before the United States House of Representative's Committee on Foreign Affairs on the plan for an international conference of neutral countries for the purpose of bringing an end to the war in Europe. The delegates to the International Committee of Women for Permanent Peace had called for such a conference the previous spring, during their conference in the Hague, Netherlands. Addams also reported on her meetings, after the congress, with public officials and peace advocates, in many of the European capitals.
Addams, Jane. “A Conference of Neutrals.” The Survey XXXV.17 (1916): 495. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 3 June 2017. “Jane Addams Urges Peace Mediation.” The New York Times: 12 Jan. 1916, vol. LXV no. 21,172: 3. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “Statement of Miss Jane Addams and Others.” Commission for Enduring Peace. Hearing Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sixty-Fourth Congress, First Session on H.R. 6921 and H.J. Res. 32, 11 Jan 1916. Washington Government Publishing Office 1916. ILLiad. Web. 16 June 2017
Addams opposes military preparedness, testifies before House Military Affairs Committee
In testimony before the United States House of Representative's Military Affairs Committee, Addams opposes steps toward military preparedness, especially an immediate increase in military spending, arguing that the United States does not face an imminent threat. She proposes instead that a decision be postponed until after the war. She also advocates for a national commission to study a possible increase in military spending. Meanwhile, President Wilson makes a nine-day lecture tour to promote the benefits of military preparedness.
“Jane Addams Wants no Army Increase.” The New York Times: 14 Jan. 1916, vol. LXV no. 21,174: 5. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “Statement of Miss Jane Addams.” To Increase the Efficiency of the Military Establishment of the United States. Hearing Before the House Committee on Military Affairs, Sixty-Fourth Congress, First Session on the Bill to Increase the Efficiency of the Military Establishment of the United States, 13 Jan 1916. Washington Government Publishing Office 1917, 3-15. Google Play Books. Web. 14 June 2017.
Addams formally endorses Wilson for president
Upon her return to Chicago from convalescence in Colorado and California, Addams is contacted by President Wilson, former President Theodore Roosevelt, and a representative of Charles Evans Hughes, all of whom are seeking her endorsement for their presidential bids. Addams later declares her support for Wilson, arguing that he is most likely to keep the United States out of the war and that he has a strong record of support for progressive, domestic policies, including his recent support for a national child labor bill. She writes, "The present administration comes before the country with a social program that carries assurances because of a record of pledges fulfilled and a series of legislative achievements not equaled by any other administration..." (Quoted in Linn, 319-320).
“Jane Addams for Wilson, She Says on Return.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 14 Oct. 1916: 5. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 15 June 2017. “Jane Addams for Wilson.” The New York Times: 15 Oct. 1916, vol. LXVI no. 21,449: 12. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 15 June 2017. “Women Go Wild Over ‘Kept Us Out of War’ Cry.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 20 Oct. 1916: 2. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 15 June 2017.
Addams presides over the second annual meeting of the Woman's Peace Party
The party meets to discuss a wide variety of subjects including actions neutral nations can take to shorten the war, military training, and foreign investments. The business sessions discuss the creation of a joint committee to study relations between the US and Asia as well as possibly convening a third peace conference at The Hague. At the conference, the party adamantly opposes military training. One of the key goals of the conference is to discuss the rights reserved for oppressed and dependent nations. In her address to the conference, Addams objects to the fact that those who stand for peace are perceived by their fellow countrymen as unpatriotic.
“Many Reformers are Urged by Woman’s Peace Party. Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 9 Dec. 1916: 3. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 12 June 2017. “Military Training Opposed by Woman’s Peace Party.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 10 Dec. 1916: 9. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 15 June 2017. “Women to Discuss Peace.” The New York Times: 27 Nov. 1916, vol. LXVI no. 21,492: 3. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017.
Wilson sends Addams flowers, they exchange letters
After reading of Addams' illness and her treatments in a newspaper, President Wilson sends her flowers and wishes her a speedy recovery in a personal letter. The one dozen American Beauty Roses from the White House Conservatory are sent to the home of Mrs. Joseph T. Bowen where Addams is recovering. Addams sends two of the roses to the Peace Party Headquarters where they are then put on exhibition.
“Roses for Miss Addams.” The New York Times: 13 Apr. 1916, vol. LXV no. 21,264: 13. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “Wilson Sends Her Roses.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 13 Apr. 1916: 1. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 12 June 2017.
Wilson makes his "Peace Without Victory" Speech
Wilson calls for a negotiated end to the war and speaks of the creation of an international institution to keep the peace. Germany accepts Wilson's terms, but Wilson says Kaiser Wilhelm's endorsement is "empty and insincere." (Quoted in Lynn, Jane Addams, p. 325.) On January 31, Germany declares a return to unrestricted submarine warfare. Several days later, Wilson severs diplomatic ties with Germany.
Wilson, Woodrow. “President Wilson’s Address to the United States Senate, on Essential Terms of Peace in Europe (Delivered on January 22, 1917).” President Wilson's state papers and addresses, with editorial notes, a biographical sketch, an introduction and an analytical index. New York: The Review of Reviews Company, 1918. 348-56. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 16 June 2017.
The Emergency Peace Federation demonstrates against the war, call on delegates to visit Congress
The Emergency Peace Federation holds a mass meeting at the Raliegh Hotel. From there, members plan to visit Congress in protest against the declaration of war. The American Union Against Militarism also conducts a referendum nation-wide. At the same time, many suffragists break with the Women's Suffrage Party when some of the party's executive members pledge the party's support for President Wilson's decision to declare war. These suffragists, much like Addams, are resolutely for peace. Addams suggests that the party has a right to pledge the support of members in the case of war. These women pacifists hold a mass meeting at the Stuyvesant High School auditorium.
“Pilgrims for Peace to Visit Congress.” The New York Times: 9 Feb. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,566: 11. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 10 June 2017.
Emergency Peace Federation meets with Wilson
Addams calls on peace activists to telegram President Wilson to express their support for a national referendum on the war. Addams and others - the Committee of Five - are sent by the Emergency Peace Federation to meet with Wilson at the White House to discuss alternatives to war. Addams comes away from the meeting "in deep rejection," sensing that Wilson had already committed the country to war (Davis, p. 243).
“Pacifists Press Views on Wilson.” The New York Times: 1 Mar. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,586: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017.
Public mood toward The Great War changes
News of German subs sinking three American ships as well as German secret negotiation with Mexio come up before Wilson declares war. Addams and Mary ? spend the month in a large estate in Flordia.
“Germany Seeks an Alliance Against US; Asks Japan and Mexico to Join Her; Full Text of Her Proposal Made Public.” The New York Times: 1 Mar. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,586: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 12 June 2017. “Plot Awakens Congress.” The New York Times: 2 Mar. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,587: 1, 2. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “Text of Germany’s Proposal to Form an Alliance With Mexico and Japan Against the United States.” The New York Times: 1 Mar. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,586: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “U-Boats Sink Ten More Ships; One American is Killed; Gerard Held, Berlin Presses Treaty to Guard Germans Here; Accumulation of German Offenses May Cause Action.” The New York Times: 9 Feb. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,566: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 15 June 2017. “Washington Exposes Plot.” The New York Times: 1 Mar. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,586: 1, 2. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “Zimmerman Says Again Neutral Ships Will Be Sunk.” The New York Times 1 Mar. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,586: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 12 June 2017.
Wilson asks Congress for a declaration of war on Germany
Ending his policy of neutrality, President Wilson goes before Congress and asks for a formal war declaration against Germany. Congress passes a war declaration on April 6. The Senate passes the resolution 82-6. The House also does so, 373-50.
“Senate, 82 to 6, Adopts War Declaration; Its Opponents Scored; House Acts Today; Berlin Fears Our Influence on Russia.” The New York Times: 5 Apr. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,621: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 12 June 2017. “Text of War Resolution Adopted by Senate and the Detailed Vote Upon its Passage.” The New York Times: 5 Apr. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,621: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 8 June 2017. “Wilson and Cabinet Plan 5 Years’ War.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 10 Nov. 1917: 1. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. 12 June 2017. Wilson, Woodrow. “Proclamation of State of War and of Alien Enemy Regulations, April 6, 1917.” President Wilson's state papers and addresses, with editorial notes, a biographical sketch, an introduction and an analytical index. New York: The Review of Reviews Company, 1918. 383-87. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 16 June 2017. Wilson, Woodrow. “Wilson’s Address to Congress Advising that Germany’s Course be Declared War Against the United States (Delivered in Joint Session, April 2, 1917).” President Wilson's state papers and addresses, with editorial notes, a biographical sketch, an introduction and an analytical index. New York: The Review of Reviews Company, 1918. 372-83. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 16 June 2017.
Addams opposes laws on conscription and limiting civil liberties
Congress adopts the Conscription Act and the Espionage Act. During hearings for both the conscription legislation, Addams and others ask, without success, for Congress to add an exemption for draft-age men who have ethical or broadly religious objections to military service (those belonging to certain specific sects are already exempted). During hearings for the espionage legislation, Addams and others ask Congress to clarify that citizens may promote alternatives to war and oppose the draft without being in violation of the Espionage Act, but, again, they are unsuccessful. Addams and other sign a telegram to Wilson, opposing the Overman Bill limiting civil liberties, asserting that it "threatens the liberty of speech and activity of the citizens of the United States and is dangerous to Democratic institutions." (Quoted in Joslin, 186. See footnote 92.)
“Statement of Miss Jane Addams.” Espionage and Interference with Neutrality. Hearing Before the House Committee on the Judiciary, Sixty-Fifth Congress, First Session on H.R. 291, 9-12 Apr. 1917. Washington Government Publishing Office 1917, 50-52. Archive.org. Web. 14 June 2017.
Addams pronounces her opposition to the war, suffers public condemnation and self-doubt
Addams delivers a speech, “Pacifism and Patriotism in Time of War," in May, in Chicago, before the Chicago City Club, and again in Evanston (on June 10), at the First Congregational Church (1445 Hinman Avenue). She receives fierce criticism in the press and in letters and is called a traitor to her country. Hull House loses major donors. "Any spoken or written word," wrote a businessman in a letter to a Chicago newspaper, "that lessens the strength of the arm of the Government is a disloyal act" (Quoted in Levin, 221). The negative response to Addams opposition to the war - and especially the United States blockading the delivery of food to the people of belligerent nations - amounted to a repudiation of Addams' pacifism and the progressive causes she held dear. Public criticism of her, as well as the knowledge that she was under surveillance by the Department of Justice, compels Addams to recalibrate her peace advocacy. "I am obliged to walk very softly in regard to all things suspect," she writes a colleague (Quoted in Davis, 247).
Addams, Jane. “Patriotism and Pacifists in War Time.” The City Club Bulletin X.9 (1917): 184-90. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 14 June 2017.
The speech is later published under the title "Patriotism and Pacifists in War Time” in The City Club Bulletin 10 (16 June 1917): 184-190. The negative response to Addams opposition to the war - and especially the United States blockading the delivery of food to the people of belligerent nations - amounted to a repudiation of Addams' pacifism and the progressive causes she held dear. Public criticism of her, as well as knowledge that she was under surveillance by the Department of Justice, compels Addams to recalibrate her peace advocacy. "I am obliged to walk very softly in regard to all things suspect," she writes a colleague. (Quoted in Davis, American Heroine, p. 247.
Addams, Jane. “Patriotism and Pacifists in War Time.” The City Club Bulletin X.9 (1917): 184-90. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 14 June 2017. “Carter Dissents to Jane Addams’ Views on War.” Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922): 11 Jun. 1917: 13. Tribune Publishing Company. ProQuest. Web. 12 June 2017.
Creation of National Civil Liberty Bureau
The American Union Against Militarism and the Fellowship of Reconciliation – Addams sits on both boards – agree to create a new National Civil Liberties Bureau to fight for free speech and the rights of conscientious objectors. Addams agrees to serve on the new bureau’s board of directors.
“Bureau to Defend Lovers of Peace.” The New York Times: 3 Jul. 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,710: 5. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 15 June 2017.
Addams signs on as spokesperson and fund-raiser for the United States Food Administration
The United States Food Administration is established in August of 1917 for the purpose of relieving starvation in war-torn Europe. President Wilson appoints Herbert Hoover, the former head of the Belgian Relief Organization, to run the effort. (In 1914, Hoover, an American living at the time in England, founded the Belgian Relief Organization as a neutral body for the purpose of purchasing and distributing food to the people of German-occupied Belgium.) Hoover recruits Addams as a spokesperson and fundraiser for the Food Administration office. Dispirited by the negative public response to her opposition to the war, Addams throws herself into this new task and finds a reason to draw a connection between it and her quest for lasting peace, economic interdependence, and morality. She writes in Peace and Bread in Time of War: "I believe that a generous response to the world situation might afford an opportunity to lay over again the foundations for a wider international morality...a new powerful force might be loosened in the world when the motive for producing and shipping food on the part of the great nations was no longer a commercial one but had for the moment shifted to a desire to feed the hungry" (82-83). Addams undertakes a national speaking tour on behalf of the United States Food Administration.
“The Food Administration Bill.” The New York Times: 4 June 1917, vol. LXVI no. 21,681: 10. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 10 June 2017.
Addams is criticized for withdrawing from leading the war opposition following the armistice
In the weeks that follow, Addams is criticized by some women peace activists in Europe for her having withdrawn, in 1915, from her leadership role in opposing the war. She also comes under attack from opponents of the peace movement. Among them is New York State Senator Archibald E. Stevenson, who includes her in a published list of European radicals.
“Armistice Signed, End of the War! Berlin Seized by Revolutionists; New Chancellor Begs for Order; Ousted Kaiser Flees to Holland.” The New York Times: 11 Nov. 1918, vol. LXVIII no. 22,206: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 12 June 2017. “German Woman Ask Food Help.” The New York Times: 15 Nov. 1918, vol. LXVIII no. 22,210: 1. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 15 June 2017. “War Ends at 6 O’clock This Morning.” The New York Times: 11 Nov. 1918, vol. LXVIII no. 22,206: 1, 2. The New York Times Company. NYTimes Search. Web. 12 June 2017.