World War I
During World War I, the town of Winnebago, Minnesota, experienced the same wartime patriotism, food and resource shortages, and suspicion toward German Americans as the rest of the state. Since Winnebago lies in Faribault County, it also likely had a population with significant German heritage, which experienced particular scrutiny during this period.
Key aspects of Winnebago's experience during World War I:
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Wartime fervor: Like other Minnesotans, Winnebago residents supported the war effort through patriotic events, such as parades and rallies.
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Military service: Men from the Winnebago area volunteered or were drafted into the U.S. military. A 1919 book lists the service members from Faribault County during the war. After the war, an American Legion Post (#182) and VFW post were organized in Winnebago.
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Food and resources: Residents on the home front were asked to conserve food, reduce waste, and grow their own produce to support the troops overseas. This led to shortages of wheat, meat, sugar, and fats.
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Anti-German sentiment: With a substantial German immigrant population, Minnesota was particularly affected by anti-German sentiment and nativism. The Minnesota Commission of Public Safety (MCPS) was given sweeping powers to ensure loyalty and suppress dissent. German Americans were monitored and required to register as "alien enemies". In neighboring Martin County, residents were known to have German sympathies early in the war. This climate of suspicion affected towns like Winnebago, though the specific local intensity is not well documented.
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Political and social tension: Statewide, the war exacerbated social and political conflicts between powerful business interests and farmers' and workers' organizations like the Nonpartisan League. These tensions were fueled by the pressure to maintain patriotic unity during the war.
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Legacy: Winnebago's founder, Andrew C. Dunn, died in January 1918, a significant event during the war period. Like many communities, Winnebago was impacted by the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed thousands of Minnesotans, including servicemen. After the armistice, the town, along with its county, took steps to honor its veterans.