WWI Recruitment Scene at 23rd & Broadway, 1917-1918

This photograph captures a recruiting address at 23rd and Broadway in New York, taken during the critical years of 1917 to 1918, amid the fervor of World War I. As the United States entered the war after years of neutrality, recruitment efforts intensified across the nation. A notable public space like this intersection served as a strategic location for such initiatives, drawing crowds and potential enlistees who were eager to support the war effort.

The image likely showcases officers or speakers addressing a gathering of men, rallying support for the military. These moments were crucial in encouraging citizens to join the armed forces, as the U.S. Army and Navy sought to bolster their ranks quickly. The recruiting campaign was part of a broader national mobilization effort, which also included Liberty Bond drives and rationing programs. This photograph stands as a testament to a pivotal time in American history when citizens were called to action in response to global conflict.