Historic Military Recruitment Scene, 1915-1920

The photograph titled On RECRUIT captures a moment from the early 20th century, likely between 1915 and 1920, during a significant era in American history. This was a time when the United States was emerging as a global power, particularly following its involvement in World War I, which prompted a surge in military enlistment and recruitment efforts. The medium of glass negatives, used by the Bain News Service, was widely employed for capturing images that would eventually be reproduced and circulated, making visual documentation accessible to the public and the media alike.

In this period, the image reflects the burgeoning presence of the military in everyday life and the publics response to the call for service. Recruitment drives were commonplace, often featuring compelling visuals to encourage young men to enlist. The visual language used in photographs like this often aimed to portray military life as honorable and essential for national pride. As photographers documented these events, they captured the spirit and sentiment of the age, providing a window into the past that still resonates today. Understanding this context enriches our appreciation of the image by highlighting the societal dynamics at play during a transformative time in American history.