The Great Okie Round Up: How Many Sooner Soldiers Headed to the Big One (WWI, that is)
Howdy, history buffs and lovers of trivia! Today we're saddlin' up for a rootin' tootin' good time as we explore how many Oklahomans got wrangled up to fight in the Kaiser's kerfuffle – that's World War I for you city slickers.
Now, Oklahoma became a state in 1907, a mere ten years before the whole world went kablooey. So, you might think they were a little green around the gills when it came to soldiery. But you underestimate the grit of these Okies!
The Draft Dodge
Uncle Sam decided the best way to fill the army's boots was with a little friendly coercion, also known as the draft. In 1917, they figured there were about 215,000 Oklahoma men who fit the bill (age-wise, not necessarily wranglin' skills).
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
Here's where things get interesting. Only 111,986 fellas even bothered to register. Seems some Okies weren't too keen on gettin' tangled up in a European brawl. Over 80,000 of those who did register hightailed it for an exemption faster than a jackrabbit in a dust storm.
So, How Many Okies Did Actually Suit Up?
Don't worry, the cavalry (or rather, the infantry) eventually arrived. By the war's end, around 59,247 white men and 19,999 African Americans from Oklahoma had been inducted. That's a fair chunk of cowboys (and cowgirls, truth be told) who answered the call.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Bonus Fun Fact: Don't forget the Choctaw Code Talkers. These ingenious fellas used their native language to send messages the Germans couldn't crack. Talk about Oklahoma ingenuity!
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| How Many Oklahomans Were Drafted In Wwi |
So You Want to Be a Draft Dodger? (Not Recommended!)
Here's what you DON'T want to do (because time travel isn't a thing):
- Fake a limp. They had doctors for that.
- Claim you're the sole provider for your family. They had exemptions, but they weren't exactly handing them out like candy corn.
- Hide out in your grandma's attic. They probably had better things to do than climb dusty attics for draft dodgers.
FAQ: How to Learn More About Oklahoma in WWI
How to find out if my Okie great-great-grandpa fought in WWI?
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
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There are resources available online and in libraries to search draft records and military service history.
How can I learn more about the Choctaw Code Talkers?
Several museums and historical societies have exhibits dedicated to the Choctaw Code Talkers. You can also find information online and in books.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
How did Oklahoma contribute to the war effort besides sending soldiers?
Oklahoma provided food, resources, and industrial production to support the war effort.
How many Oklahomans died in WWI?
Sadly, over 1,000 Oklahomans lost their lives in the war.
How can I honor Oklahomans who served in WWI?
There are many ways to honor these brave men and women, such as visiting war memorials, attending veterans' events, or learning more about their stories.
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