New Jersey's Role in World War I: Talk at Bernardsville Library

James Hockenberry, award-winning author of the "World War I Intrigue Trilogy," will discuss the New Jersey’s key role in America’s efforts during “The Great War” at Bernardsville Public Library on Wednesday, August 1 at 7:00 pm. A large percentage of troops sent overseas were trained here and shipped out of Hoboken, and the huge demand for munitions during the war sparked New Jersey’s transition from an agricultural state to an industrial one. Its industrial capacity increased 300% during World War I! As a result, New Jersey’s economic strength, both as a manufacturing force and shipping hub, was vital to the Allies’ success. Mr. Hockenberry’s books will be available for purchase and signing.

Few people remember that New Jersey was a target of German sabotage, most notably, the attack on Black Tom Island (now part of Liberty Park) in New York Harbor in 1916. The New York Times has described this event as the “most destructive terrorist attack in America before 9/11,” when 2 million pounds of explosives were detonated. The talk will describe the events around this and other key incidents, such as the Henry Ford Peace Mission, U-boat activity in 1918 off the Jersey coast, and the destruction of the Kingsland plant.

A career financial executive with a BA from Lafayette College and an MBA from Columbia University, Mr. Hockenberry has redirected his life to thriller writing with his “World War One Intrigue” series. The change has allowed him to interweave three of his long-time passions: history, literature, and his German-American roots. His first novel, "Over Here," set in 1915-16, dramatizes the little known but extensive undeclared war Germany fought on American soil and the efforts by the New York Police to stop them.

The sequel, "So Beware," is set in 1919 during the Paris Peace talks. The war is over, but Europe is a spark away from a new catastrophe. Action jumps between Paris and Berlin as the Allies haggle over the peace terms while Lenin’s worldwide Communist movement threatens the democratic world. At the same time, remnants of the German army refuse to accept defeat and plot revenge against the victors.

Mr. Hockenberry is currently writing his third book, "Send the Word." It will focus on the domestic front during the war and the U.S. military experience in 1918, especially the Meuse-Argonne campaign, the largest and bloodiest battle the U.S. army ever fought. His books bring alive the tensions and controversies of the times, and combine elements for which this award-winning author is known: page turning suspense, exacting research, and complex characters.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.