The Great War (World War I): America and New Jersey's Role

Explore the history of World War I, from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 to the armistice of November 11, 1918, and the Treaty of Versailles that reshaped the world. 

This engaging lecture examines the origins of the conflict, Germany's Schlieffen Plan, and the major battles that defined the war.

Learn how the Zimmermann Telegram prompted the United States to enter the war in 1917, the impact of American troops on the battlefield in 1918, and how the Spanish flu pandemic affected soldiers and civilians alike. The presentation also highlights New Jersey's contributions to the war effort, including the sacrifices made by Essex County residents.

Gain a deeper understanding of the two opposing alliances—the Allied Powers, led by France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, and later the United States, and the Central Powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire—and discover how this global conflict changed the course of modern history.

Presenter Brian Armstrong is an independent historian, researcher, and author. He has worked for 40 years for various technology and staffing companies including EDS, Kelly Services, and International Technology Solutions, Inc. Armstrong was President of the South River Historical & Preservation Society for 10 years and is now the President of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey. He is a director for the Raritan Millstone Heritage Association.

In 2015, Brian co-wrote the book, South River, with Stephanie Bartz and Nan Whitehead. Armstrong authored the History Press book, The Franklin Park Tragedy: A Forgotten Story of Racial Injustice in New Jersey in 2019 and won the 2020 NJSAA Author Award for the book. Armstrong authored the History Press book, A History Lover’s Guide to Bar Harbor Maine (May 2021). He self-published the books, Lost Museums (2022), Totally Shameless Productions (2023), Franklin Park Axe Murders (2023), Victorian Housewife Rebellion (2023), Hunter’s Rest Birthday (2024), Cordova Elopement Scandal (2025), Camp AU (2025), and Xcapade (2025) through Kindle Direct Publishing.

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.