The Crisis: The Perception of Race in WWI

In this analysis of ''The Crisis'', looking at multiple editions, spanning from 1914 to 1918, we see snap shots of the attitudes of and towards African-American soldiers at the beginning and the end of World War I. These editions, volume 8, number 5 published in 1914, volume 12 number 5 published in 1916 and volume 16, number 2 published in 1918, all shows us the apparent change (or lack of apparent change) in the way African-American soldiers were treated in comparison to the way they served their country. The issues and reasons contributing to the importance and significance of African-American service in WWI will also be addressed. These ideas, will be explored and displayed through a series of tools. Namely, a timeline of the publications, text mining of key words, mapping of areas directly affected by African-American involvement, a network analysis and close readings of selected topics will be used. The words being focused on are: Pride and Success, ??? in addition to an idea, represented through a string of words, including Bravery, Gallantry, Courage, and Sacrifice. The question to keep in mind when addressing these literary works is simple, what was the reality of the conditions that African-American soldiers faced during their service, the barriers successful overcame, and how were their actions perceived by foreign entities compared to back home?