LibGuides: WWI: Minnesota in the Great War: Overview

Best Bets

Minnesota Commission of Public Safety, Main Files, 1917-1919
Files contain various materials, organized by subject, from the watchdog state agency. There are multiple collections outside the Main Files: see the library's research guide on the Commission of Public Safety for more information.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid

Minnesota in the War with Germany, by Franklin F. Holbrook and Livia Appel.
St. Paul, Minnesota Historical Society, 1928-1932
MNHS call number: Reading Room D570.85 M6 H6

Minnesota War Records Commission, Collected Materials
Materials related to WWI compiled from various sources. Incudes records, sheet music, and personal correspondence received from Minnesota service men and women abroad.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid

War Records Commission, Military Service Record Questionnaires
These questionnaires were sent by the War Records Commission to service men and women residing in Minnesota after the war.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid

Overview

The First World War, or "The Great War," was a profound turning point in world history. Monarchies, empires and political systems that had existed for centuries were swept away in the aftermath of the war's death and destruction. Millions died and millions more were wounded in the fighting, while a devastating influenza pandemic killed yet more soldiers and civilians. Advancement in technology, a changing workforce, and political upheaval led to a new social order across United States and abroad. In short, World War One was the death of one world and the birth of a new one: the 20th century.

For many Minnesotans the Great War was the first international event to directly impact their lives. Whether fighting on the western front, volunteering for war relief activities, or working in war-related industries, many of the state's citizens participated in the war effort. This guide gives an introduction to sources relevant to the war effort abroad, but also to the great political and social changes happening at home in Minnesota. The following tabs in the guide organize these resources by the following topics:

Research Options

Visit the MNHS Library
Original materials, records, and newspapers on microfilm are available on site and reference staff can help with research.
MNHS Research Services
Order copies of records, articles, or other specific materials from the MNHS collections.
Interlibrary Loan
MNHS loans out most microfilm materials. Contact your local library for more information and assistance with this service.
Online Research
Some items such as newspapers, articles, photos and objects are available online. Look for links within this guide.
Other Libraries
Many books listed in the Secondary Sources page can be borrowed from other libraries.

Related Research Guides & Webpages

Military Service Records Research
A guide listing the resources available at the MNHS library.
League of Nations
A guide listing the resources available at the MNHS library.
MNopedia
MNopedia contains many articles concerning the changing political and social landscapes at home during World War I. Individual articles may be listed on our "Minnesota's Home Front" tab, or visit MNopedia directly to search.