2021.003.011 [Clipping, Newspaper]

This is an article from the Davenport Democrat and Leader newspaper published on May 2, 1918. The article headline reads, "Burn German Books at the Polk School: Made a Bonfire of 50 Documents in School Yard Last Evening." It details how several young boys, 2 students and 2 non-students, snuck into the school in its off hours and burned over three dozen reference books on German subjects. The article also details how the principle reprimanded the perpetrators and ensured that there would be strict punishment for their behavior. The principle is quoted as saying, "patriotism [does] not permit lawlessness." Book burnings of German reference texts were common throughout Midwestern cities during the World War One period, as it was believed that patriotic fervor demanded the eradication of "seditious" materials. This content can be used with the following resources: SS-Gov.9-12.28: Iowa Issues and Policy This content can be used to educate students about the impact that state or national political policy can have on public education in Iowa. It can deemonstrate that the rhetoric of bureuacratic officials can cause people to destroy public property for no other reason that because it is "patriotic." It can also encourage students to ask harder questions regarding civic duty in politicized times. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding any copyright restrictions.