Exhibit: Many Americans went to fight before U.S. entered World War I

The United States did not get pulled into World War I until 1917, but that did not stop thousands of Americans from heading to the front before then.

Most were on the side of France and Britain even if their own countrymen were aloof from European affairs and their own government was neutral. President Woodrow Wilson campaigned for re-election in 1916 with the slogan “He kept us out of war!”

Some of the American volunteers fought. Many drove ambulances. Others remained home but sent food and other supplies to the beleaguered populace.

They are all recalled in a temporary exhibit opening Tuesday at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. “The Volunteers: Americans Join World War I, 1914-19” is a joint project between the museum at Liberty Memorial and the American Field Service Intercultural Programs.

“Thousands of Americans risked their lives and contributed to the war almost immediately at the onset,” said museum senior curator Doran Cart in an announcement of the exhibit.

The exhibit is not one of objects, but rather of photographs, posters and other documents mounted on panels. It will be on display in Memory Hall through Oct. 2 and is included in regular museum admission.

The traveling exhibit is part of the museum’s ongoing observance of the centennial of World War I. The United States entered the war only after Germany declared unconditional submarine warfare. The war ended in 1918.

“The contributions of Americans during the early stages of war are often not given a proper spotlight,” said museum president Matt Naylor. “By telling their stories, we also continue our mission of providing unique and compelling special exhibitions that educate the public about the continued effects of World War I.”

Another new exhibit opened last week in the Research Level Gallery, below the main floor of the museum, and is free. “Images of the Great War: European Offensives, 1914-1916” examines how the war was reflected in pictorial art, from both professionals and soldiers at the front.

It includes works from France, Britain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Turkey and Switzerland. The exhibit, which runs through Oct. 9, was organized by Brown University Library and the President Woodrow Wilson House.

This story was originally published April 3, 2016 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Exhibit: Many Americans went to fight before U.S. entered World War I."