World War I Recruiting Rally in Historic Detroit

This photograph captures a recruiting event in Detroit, taken sometime between 1915 and 1920. During this era, the U.S. military was actively seeking enlistees amid the backdrop of World War I, which significantly shaped the nation’s dynamics. The image showcases the methods used to attract men into service, reflecting the mobilization efforts that were crucial to sustaining the war effort.

Photographed by the Bain News Service, this glass negative serves as a valuable historical record of the recruitment practices of the early twentieth century. Events like this one highlight how the government galvanized public support and participation in what was then a transformative global conflict, marking a key moment in American history.