Based on the recently published, Long Island’s Gold Coast Elite and the Great War, the program explores how the leading families of the North Shore, through a potent combination of ethnic background, social status, clear eyed geopolitical calculation, and financial self-interest mobilized to support the Allies at the outbreak of war in 1914. Morgan bankers, movie producers, society glitterati, government officials, politically connected lawyers and one ex-president arranged massive loans and supplies for the Allies, while agitating for militarization and intervention. These efforts undercut the Wilson Administration’s official policy of neutrality and set the country on a course which led inexorably to war with Germany in 1917. The participation of the Gold Coast elite, on the homefront and overseas, is also discussed.

Richard F. Welch taught American history at Long Island University and Farmingdale State College.  He was editor of the Long Island Forum from 1991 to 2014, and a contributing editor of the Journal of Long Island History. The author of numerous articles and reviews, he has written seven books, the most recent being Long Island’s Gold Coast Warriors. The North Shore Elite and World War One (2021).  He was also a contributor to the Encyclopedia of New York State. He is currently a trustee of the Suffolk County Historical Society.

The Nassau County Historical Society Program will be held at the Jericho Public Library and will be both in person, and streamed virtually. There will be a reception and book signing following the program.

Here is the link to the virtual webinar:

https://www.jericholibrary.org/event/hybrid-nassau-county-historical-society-presents-long-islands-gold-coast-elite-and-great-war

If you have difficulty with the link, phone the Jericho Library 516-935-6790