World War I's Impact on Salinas

The effects of World War I on the town of Salinas, including the draft, the Home Guard, and the death of local boys.

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The War Begins

The Shock of War The Initial Enthusiasm When America enters the war, there is a wave of patriotic fervor. The Salinas Band plays, and young men volunteer. The war is seen as a glorious adventure. The Slow Realization As the war drags on, the reality sinks in. Casualty lists begin to appear. The town is divided between those who support the war and those who oppose it. The Draft Board Adam Trask is appointed to the draft board. He is forced to send young men off to war, knowing many will not return. This weighs heavily on his conscience.

The Home Guard and Mr. Fenchel

The Home Front The Formation of the Home Guard Men over fifty form the Home Guard, drilling in the armory. They are eager to do their part, but their efforts are often comical. The German Tailor Mr. Fenchel, a German immigrant, becomes a target of suspicion. He is accused of being a spy. The Home Guard burns his house down. This is a dark chapter of local bigotry. The Spy Mania The town is gripped by fear of spies. Everyone is suspicious of strangers. The war brings out the worst in some people, as well as the best.

Martin Hopps's Death

The Personal Loss The Quiet Boy Martin Hopps is a shy, red-haired boy from the neighborhood. He joins Troop C and is sent to France. His death is a shock to the community. Olive Hamilton's War Olive Hamilton, Martin's neighbor, is enraged by his death. She throws herself into selling Liberty Bonds as a way to fight back. She becomes a top seller. The Prize Plane Ride Olive wins a ride in an army airplane. She is terrified but goes through with it, showing the same courage she demands from others. Her experience is a symbol of the home front's sacrifice.

Aron's Enlistment and Death

The Tragic End The Lie of Age After learning the truth about his mother, Aron is shattered. He lies about his age and enlists in the army. He wants to escape his past and find a clean death. The Battle of Cantigny Aron is sent to France and participates in the first major American offensive. He is killed in action. His body is never recovered. The Telegram The telegram with the news of Aron's death arrives at the Trask house. It causes Adam to have a stroke. The war takes the life of the golden boy, completing the family's tragedy.

The War's Economic Impact

The Price of War The Boom War creates a demand for food. Prices for beans and other commodities skyrocket. British purchasing agents scour the country. Cal's Speculation Cal Trask, with Will Hamilton's help, speculates in bean futures. He makes a profit of $15,000. This money is the source of the gift he gives to his father. The Moral Question Adam refuses the money, saying it is tainted by war. This raises the question of whether it is moral to profit from war. The war's economic effects touch every family in Salinas.

The End of the War

The Relief and the Grief The Celebrations When the armistice is signed, Salinas erupts in celebration. People dance in the streets. But the joy is tempered by the memory of the dead. The Return of the Soldiers The surviving soldiers return, changed by their experiences. Some are heroes, others are broken. The town tries to adjust to a new normal. The Lingering Sorrow For the Trask family, the war's end brings no relief. Aron is dead, Adam is paralyzed, and Cal is burdened with guilt. The war has taken its toll, leaving a permanent scar.

America enters World War I, 1917

The Home Guard forms and the persecution of Mr. Fenchel, 1917-1918

Martin Hopps is killed in action, 1918

Aron Trask enlists and is killed at Cantigny, 1918

Wartime economy in Salinas, bean speculation, 1917-1918

The Armistice, November 1918