1918 Brought an Armistice, but Also a World of Death

[88m3]

A century ago this year, artillery fell silent across Europe. Communists dismantled an empire. The most devastating pandemic in six centuries swept the globe.

The events of 1918 still resonate today.



1918 Brought an Armistice, but Also a World of Death

 

[Shogun]

It's crazy how little people consider the Spanish Flu. If I remember correctly, it was responsible for more deaths than the combat of WW1.

Also, here's an interesting paper challenging the traditional characterization of America as isolationist in the 1920's/30's:
https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/wcfia/files/579_mythofusisol.pdf

 

[88m3]

"By 1919, the disease had killed 50 million to 100 million people worldwide, a toll matched only once in recorded history. The Black Death killed 75 million to 200 million — but it took four years to do so, while the Spanish flu took little more than one".


"Beyond the staggering human suffering, a “very progressive” reaction took shape, said David Blanke, a cultural historian at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. Into a frightened populace stepped doctors and nurses, who cared for the sick and vaccinated the healthy. At a time of crisis, Americans put their faith in them, which reinforced the Progressive Era push for public health legislation".

 

[Berniewood Hogan]

"The Spanish, they're bringing the flu..."

 

[Recca Gatsby]

"By 1919, the disease had killed 50 million to 100 million people worldwide, a toll matched only once in recorded history. The Black Death killed 75 million to 200 million — but it took four years to do so, while the Spanish flu took little more than one".


"Beyond the staggering human suffering, a “very progressive” reaction took shape, said David Blanke, a cultural historian at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. Into a frightened populace stepped doctors and nurses, who cared for the sick and vaccinated the healthy. At a time of crisis, Americans put their faith in them, which reinforced the Progressive Era push for public health legislation".

That is terrifying