Germany's threat to make the United States pay indemnity, for the losses her war lords claimed were due to munition and food supplies for the Allies and none for the Central Empire, was a factor in inducing the United States to enter into the conflict.

Before the formal entry of this country into the fray, many theretofore Americans, crossed the Canadian line and became citizens of the Dominion, and enlisted under the English flag. Thousands of Italians and French people returned to their native lands to fight for the country that gave them birth.

When the ruthless warfare on the seas took form that made it impossible for the United States to remain quiet longer, congress, instead of declaring war upon Germany, declared that a state of war already did exist. Then the thousands of Americans which before had reluctantly held back, waited no longer, and "volunteered." Those who thus "enlisted" became one class or part of the American army. Those who joined the army by "voluntary induction" became another portion of the whole, while the regular for of registration and "induction" became the third, and by far the largest part of the mighty army of the Republic of the United States.

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

The call for registration came soon after the declaration that a state of war existed, or in April, 1917.

The Registration

The registration of June 5, 1917, was red letter day in the history of America, when an army of ten million fighting men became available for service. In Scotts Bluff county the people who participated in and assisted in the work of conscription as registrars performed their work with unabating zest. Like each of the several departments of war work there was no flagging of spirit.