General Files

Arranged by subject.

The records consist largely of correspondence and printed matter. The correspondence is mostly between the Nevada State Council of Defense and the State Councils Section of the Council of National Defense, as well as other federal agencies, county and community defense councils in Nevada, the councils of defense in other states, and private citizens. Among the federal agencies represented in these records are the Bureau of Investigation, War Industries Board, Food Administration, Fuel Administration, U. S. Employment Service, Bureau of Education, and the Committee on Public Information.

Non-governmental organizations with which there is correspondence include the Red Cross and the League to Enforce Peace. Much of the correspondence with private citizens involves accusations of the "disloyalty" of persons such as pacifists, radicals, and "pro-German" elements.

Other manuscript materials include minutes of meetings, financial records, and court records. The latter concern the suit brought by Hearst publications against the members of the Nevada State Council of Defense. The federal district court issued an injunction against the Council-promoted boycott of Hearst newspapers and magazines (for not showing the "American spirit").

Much of the printed matter is propaganda in the form of posters, pamphlets, and songs issued by federal agencies and patriotic organizations. Other publications are bulletins, press releases, and circulars from federal agencies. There are also newspaper clippings.

The records document the Council's coordination and support of several war-related programs and campaigns, such as the Liberty Loan and War Savings Stamp drives, Armenian and Syrian relief, and the Boys' Working Reserve.

Other matters addressed are War Risk Insurance, reemployment of veterans, "Americanization" of the foreign-born (with emphasis on the use and teaching of the English language), non-war construction, involvement of women in the war effort, the illegal sale of liquor to servicemen, explosives, and detection of deserters.

1917-1920

4 c.f.