Call for Knitters: Campus during the War

While the United States did not enter the World War I until 1917, the events in Europe did impact American's lives at home. The United States declared a "non-intervention" policy in 1914 at the conflict's outset. Other events on the world stage turned American attention towards Europe, particlarly once a German u-boat sunk the Lusitania in 1915, which included Mount Holyoke alumna Dorothy D. Allen and 128 other Americans. As an anxiety grew at home, a "Preparedness" movement began to prepare the country for entry into the war.

Americans and Mount Holyoke students alike were divided about whether the United States should enter the war or remain isolated from conflict. Despite some campus ambivilence, students did rally to raise funds and ready supplies for the growing war effort.