Chautauqua

“The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty.”  With these words, President Woodrow Wilson asked the United States Congress to declare war on Germany. For nearly three years, war raged in Europe after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria sparked a diplomatic crisis.Despite attempts to remain neutral, because of various acts of aggression by Germany, including the death of 128 Americans in the German attack on the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania, the United States officially entered World War I in April 1917.

For our 23rd season, we are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the United States’ entry into the Great War as three World War I-era figures come to life on the Chautauqua stage.

July 5 – General John Pershing, portrayed by Doug Mishler

July 6 – WEB DuBois, portrayed by Bill Grimmette

July 7 – Woodrow Wilson, portrayed by Judd Bankert