New Citizens: Registering for War, June 1917

On June 5, 1917, the United States entered the First World War, and this photograph captures a moment soon after that pivotal decision. Titled After registering, it shows individuals whove just completed their registration for the Selective Service Act, a measure that required men aged 21 to 30 to enlist for military service. This step was crucial in bolstering the U.S. military forces at a time when the nation was gearing up to join the conflict overseas.

The image was taken by the Bain News Service, a notable early news organization that documented significant events of the time. The use of glass negatives was a common practice in early documentary photography, allowing for high-quality prints. This particular moment in history reflects the national sentiment as citizens stepped forward to fulfill their duty during a time of war. Each face in the photograph represents a young American confronting both excitement and anxiety about the challenges that lay ahead.