Figure 1.-- America declared war on Germany and entered World War I in 1917. Here we see American boys in 1918 during World War I pkaying war. We are guessing that they did not have toy guns. The boys have armed themselves with dirt clods. They have dug a trench like the World War I Western Front. They are preparing to repulse an eneny attack.

War games were very popular after World War II. This was probably the case eight after World War I as well. The American public, however, quickly soured on the War. Soon after the War ended, ir began to be seen as a huge mistake. Therewas no talk mabout the 'grearest bgeneration'. That would haveb been seen as the Civil War generation. And the moviews soon began ficusing in cowviys vand gangsdters. They soon dominated the movies and the imaginatiins of children. Eorkld War II was very differenbt. Victoiry was seen as a great national achievement, although the PC crowd is now actively trying to change that nararive. There was no doubt in my mind about who was right. I had all sorts of war gear, including a helmet, belt webbing, a canteen, and back pack as well as toy guns. I remembered being well armed. My trusty six-shooters were my favorite, but I also had a toy Army '45 for playing war. Our parents endulged us. It was seen as harmless fun. There was not a eiff of the modern PC woke culture at the time. It was just another form of cowboys and Indians. And as far as I can tell playing war into the 1960s continued to be popular. Of course toy guns were an important part of playing war. I think that in the Vietnam era that anti-war monms bgan to put the kabash on war games and toy guns. Playing war was also discouraged by more intrusive paranting. I recall during the summer being turned loose after breakfast, shoeing up for linch, and thenm disappearing until dinner. Our parents took a minimal interest in our play activities as long as we didn't get into any trouble. In fact I think my mom liked getting me out of the house and out of her way.

Created: 4:47 AM 6/18/2020
Last updated: 4:47 AM 6/18/2020