100 years ago in Spokane: Thousands take loyalty oath at rally as Woodrow Wilson says he’ll ask Congress to enter World War I

Wartime fervor took hold of Spokane as a “monster” Patriotic Rally filled the Spokane Armory to overflowing.

They were gathered, under fluttering flags, “to register a patriotic willingness to sustain the country’s integrity with whatever effort or sacrifice may be necessary.”

The U.S. was not yet formally at war with Germany, but President Woodrow Wilson announced his intention to ask Congress for a declaration of war on April 2, 1917.

More than 5,000 people filled the armory to express support for President Wilson’s course. Another 3,000 people filled an overflow area on the street. Another 4,000 were turned away before they could even get near the armory.

The crowd was loud and exuberant at times, yet “with an undercurrent of silent appreciation of the solemnity of the occasion.” All 5,000 rose to their feet to sing, “The Star Spangled Banner,” and then, at the close, “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.”

The main business of the mass meeting was to formulate and pass a resolution in the form of a loyalty pledge. The resolution pledged “full and complete loyalty to our beloved country” and support of the president. It also, tellingly, asserted “our belief in the patriotism of the individual citizens, of whatever birth, or former nationality.” This was evidently directed toward Spokane’s large German community.

“In this hour of crisis, we are Americans without division, loving our country, its institutions and its flag, and ready and willing to give them our material support and our patriotic service.”

The resolution was passed “unanimously” by all 5,000 attendees.