General W.A. White: A Moment in WWI History, 1917

This historical photograph captures General W.A. White on June 8, 1917, during a pivotal moment in American military history. By this point, the United States had entered World War I, making the role of military leaders like White increasingly crucial. He was involved in training and mobilizing troops, ensuring that they were prepared for the battlefield amid the growing global conflict. His leadership contributed to the strengthening of the American Expeditionary Forces, which played a significant role in the war’s outcome.

Taken by the Bain News Service, this image utilizes a glass negative, a popular photographic technique of the early 20th century. The clarity and detail afforded by glass plates allowed for high-quality reproductions that documented key historical subjects. Military leaders were often photographed to bolster public support and recognition for those leading the charge during the war, and this image of General White serves as a reminder of the individuals behind the uniforms and the efforts they made during an extraordinary time in history.