Doughboy Uniform United States Army c 1918 History

Doughboy Uniform, United States Army, c. 1918

History of Uniforms Throughout history, military uniforms have set apart the people who wear them. Traditionally, uniforms helped people distinguish between participants and observers of a specific conflict. In the 18 th and 19 th centuries, Western military forces often used color and pattern to increase visibility and assist commanders in making strategic troop movements as they oversaw battles from hilltops. 19 th Century Naval Uniform – wool with brass buttons

History of Uniforms As the nature of war changed, the clothing worn by soldiers was adapted to new environments and tactics. At the turn of the 20 th century, camouflage began to take precedence. Western armies encountered new climates and terrains, and utilitarian concerns became more prominent.

Doughboy Uniform The American Doughboy uniform was created after the U. S. Army’s 1917 study of European military equipment. A number of theories exist as to the origin of the term “doughboy” but there is no consensus among scholars. (reference to baked goods, shape of their buttons like dumplings, color of uniforms, etc. The grenade vest shown here was a government response to the need to carry more explosives. Their perception was that running towards gunfire with explosives strapped to your chest was foolish.

Doughboy Uniform Soldiers wore a wool shirt with cotton lining, and a wool jacket and trousers. Many of the doughboy uniform’s elements were in response to climate and geography. Wool felt leg wraps kept out mud and provided additional insulation in cold weather. A wool hat and metal helmet were also standard issue. M 1917 Service Uniform

Vocabulary Color Primary: Red, Blue, Yellow Secondary: Orange, Purple, Green Pattern Showing consistency with colors and lines Design Making a plan for construction of an object Utility (function) The quality or condition of being useful

Looking at the Uniform Describe the uniform. What type of garment do you see? What appears to be the purpose? How might this garment affect movement? Uniforms often symbolize rank. What might signify the rank of the person wearing this uniform? Uniforms are either highly detailed or functional. Is this uniform more elaborate or utilitarian? How does this uniform reflect warfare at the time it was made?

Looking at the Uniform How might color and pattern make a uniform different? How does a modern Battle Dress Uniform differ from this 1918 Doughboy one? Besides battle uniforms, what sort of uniforms do we see everyday? How are these uniforms designed for the work that the person wearing them needs to do?

Uniform Examples Today

Today’s Activity: Design your own Uniform Pick any type of existing uniform, or create a unique uniform that doesn’t currently exist. Pick out a male outline or female outline. Brainstorm what sort of things their uniform should have, and what sorts of things should it be made out of. Lightly sketch your uniform onto the outline you have chosen.

Today’s Activity: Design your own Uniform After you have your sketch, select fabric (or paper) to cut your uniform pieces out of. Place their uniform pieces onto the outline, glue them in place. Embellishments, can also be glued on. You can also use a marker to draw on buttons, pocket flaps, etc. If you finish early, you can draw in the face and hair of your “model. ” Label what their uniform is for (i. e. astronaut, skier) and please sign your name.

Example Uniform Do No Forget to SIGN and DATE your art