"The First World War, also known as the Great War or simply WWI, was one of the most deadly wars in history, with tens of thousands dying in a single day. The conflict began in 1914, when Austro-Hungarian archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist. This caused a chain reaction in which allies of each side went to war with each other. The war ended after 4 years of brutal trench warfare on November 11th, 1918. New inventions like the tank, airplanes, and better artillery caused both sides to resort to staying in trenches, gaining feet at the cost of hundreds of lives. Despite the devastating impact of the war, it was overshadowed by WWII..."

-TMC Student

Click here to listen to Elton Mackin recount his experience as a runner in WWI.

• Follow along with the audio transcription here. 

     "WW2 was a world-wide war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It had begun when Germany declared war on Poland on September 1, 1939. Germany would then conquer other countries like Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Yugoslavia and Greece. While the Allies consisted of Britain and France (before France was occupied) would declare war on Germany and the Axis powers on September 3, 1939. On June 22, 1941 Germany invaded the Soviet Union (Today known as Russia) The Germans would make it to the outskirts of Moscow but with the harsh Russian winter, the Germans would soon be pushed back. On December 7, 1941 Japan, a member of the Axis powers, would attack Pearl Harbor in Hawaii which would lead to the United States of America joining the Allies and declaring war on the Axis powers..."

-TMC Student

     "Toys have always been a part of a child’s life. However, since before the 20th century, children had few toys and did not have much time to play due to being expected to help their parents around the house or in the fields. Children played with similar ones children play with today such as dolls, toy soldiers, wooden animals, balls, marbles and tops. Toys remained generally the same until the Industrial Revolution..."

-TMC Students

Click here for more information on the History of Toys.

     "Lietenant Colonel Webb Cook Hayes--soldier, diplomat, and son of U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes--traveled the globe during a time of intense political change and imperial expansion. From warzones in China and the Philippines to the wide-open wilderness of the American frontier, Hayes collected weapons, clothing, artwork, and hunting trophies that reflected the cultures, conflicts, and curiosities he encountered..."

-TMC Student