The United States was founded 250 years ago. The meaning of our nation’s birthday has been reflected in the many ways we have celebrated it this year. Many of these celebrations have focused on the nation’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics triumphs. Others have highlighted America’s artistic, educational, and social achievements. But what is missing from these commemorations is acknowledgement of the country’s misadventures and struggles – especially its complicated legacy with war.
Historians have documented America’s legacy with war for most of the country’s existence. Since the American Revolution (1775-1783), the United States has involved itself in five declared wars and over 115 national and international military conflicts ranging from the War of 1812 to the Civil War and finally today’s Iranian War.
America’s legacies with war are complex and at times heartbreaking. Our country’s use of music during these times of war has been equally complicated and confounding because our music has served so many competing purposes: inspiring and recruiting new soldiers, rallying a nation around causes for and against war, and comforting fallen soldiers’ families and innocent victims of war.
This exhibit explores how America’s musicians and music publishers have portrayed the country’s extended involvement in wars, asking the viewer, “what have we learned from these past 250 years?”
For further information about this exhibit call 217-333-4577 or email schwrtzs@illinois.edu.