Charge and Countercharge: "Documentary" War Pictures in the USA, 1914–1916

From late 1914 through late 1916, dozens of "documentary" war films circulated within commercial venues in the United States, precisely during a period of debate about whether the country could or should maintain a politically expedient position of "neutrality" or would have to engage directly in the Great War. Usually sponsored by metropolitan newspapers and made by American cameramen/reporters, these films often were exhibited widely, even in small towns, and sometimes had long runs. Moreover, at least half took a more or less German perspective on the war. This essay explores their circulation and reception by describing the variety of films, their sources, and the difficulties in undertaking their study; sketching some of their political and cultural contexts, particularly in terms of other media; analysing the different ways they were promoted, where they were exhibited, and how they seem to have been received; and finally, speculating on their contribution to the ongoing debate over US neutrality in the war.