Influenza Epidemic 1918

Paper Summary:

The paper shows how the United States military was a major contributing factor to the spread of the influenza virus in 1918. The paper describes how the virus began in the army camps and was passed on via the streets, parades, train and ship to all parts of the country and world. The paper paints a picture of how the influenza spread like wildfire throughout the world, killing millions and forcing cities to shut down completely.

From the Paper:

"The year 1918 embodied one of the greatest epidemics in the history of mankind. By the years end, 50 million innocent lives would be taken by a virus, including over 600,000 in the United States alone. The virus was influenza and it spanned the entire globe in 1918. It is known as the worst influenza epidemic ever. The virus caused sickness, death, and grief to every part of the world. One of the most shocking aspects of the 1918 influenza virus was how quickly and easily it spread. One person infected with the virus could spread it to hundreds by simply coughing. What made matters and the spread of the virus worse was World War I. During the Great War, influenza afflicted military personnel from the United States were shipped all over the North America, Europe, and other various continents spreading the disease. Therefore, this paper will argue that the United States military was a major contributing factor to the spread of the Influenza virus in 1918."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barry, J. M. (2004). The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History. New York: Penguin Group.
• Byerly, C. R. (2005). Fever of War: The Influenza Epidemic in the U.S. Army During World War I. New York: New York University.
• Chicago Tribune, 1918-1919.
• Epidemic Influenza Among American Soldiers Abroad. (1918). Public Health Reports (1896-1970), 33(47), 2035-2038.
• Hartford Courant, 1918-1919.

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