Over Here: The Homefront During World War I | Carolina Stories

World War I activities on the homefront literally changed the South Carolina landscape, as well as how women and African Americans saw themselves as a part of society. But how do these stories fit into the bigger picture of South Carolina's history? The program examines:

  • Pro-war and anti-war sentiment in a state that called Woodrow Wilson their own
  • African American participation: Why African Americans supported the war effort and how they were disappointed by the response to their efforts
  • Women’s roles: How the war effort played a part in the women’s movement
  • Military camps: How they sprang up, practically boomtowns, and what they meant for South Carolina cities
  • The influenza epidemic in the fall of 1918: How it affected war efforts, how the camps may have played a role, and the impact on the state

Closed captioning has been provided for this broadcast program.

Over Here: The Homefront During WWI
Episode 1

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In comparison to other wars, particularly in South Carolina, on a scale of remembrance, probably World War II is right up there at the top. Civil War would be next, but World War I may be a forgotten...
Over Here: The Homefront During WWI
Episode 2

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South Carolina's affection for President Wilson seemed to fuel Coleman Blease's outspoken opposition. Supported by newspapers in Aiken and Charleston, Blease tried to use race to stir opposition. He...
Over Here: The Homefront During WWI
Episode 3

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Although in 1917 more African Americans were educated and attempting to gain equality, Jim Crow laws and racial attitudes still controlled their political and economic opportunities in South Carolina...
Over Here: The Homefront During WWI
Episode 4

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Eugenia Duke went into business making sandwiches and would later become a successful entrepreneur with the production and selling of Duke Mayonnaise. Eugenia's mayonnaise did not call for sugar which...
Over Here: The Homefront During WWI
Episode 5

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World War I brought big business to towns that housed soldiers in military camps. On June 2, 1917 was Camp Jackson established. After 11 days of construction, the first trainees arrived. Owners of...
Over Here: The Homefront During WWI
Episode 6

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The flu epidemic created horrors not only overseas, but at home. The origin of the epidemic was not certain to doctors and scientists, but several theories were proposed. One theory proposed it came...
Over Here: The Homefront During WWI
Episode 7

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The armistice was signed November 11, 1918 and it brought the end of a long and terrible war. For South Carolina, World War I brought unity and change. Camp Jackson was emptied a year after it was...