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Interpreting the Evidence

Henry Stickley, Army Corps of Engineers

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Turn of the Century and WWI (1890 - 1930)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Environment
    World War I

  • Primary Source Types:

    Photograph

  • Regions:

    New York State
    United States
    Global

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load Henry Stickley, Army Corps of Engineers, World War I, c. 1917 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
Photograph of Henry Stickley a member of the Army Corps of Engineers in World War I, c. 1917.
Historical Context
While many of the infantry troops on the front lines in World War I were riflemen, there were various roles and occupations in the service, including artillerymen, mortar crews, machine gunners, and more.  However, other soldiers had further specialized occupations.  Henry Stickley, seen here, was assigned to a different role.  The castle badge on the collar of his uniform indicates that he was a member of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Engineers fulfill a broad need of essential tasks within the army.  Depending on the need, engineers could be assigned to projects ranging from infrastructure development to laying obstacles to slow the advance of enemy troops.  Engineers have played a crucial role in every American war since the American Revolution, and World War I was no exception.
The unique environmental and combat conditions of the Western Front during World War I presented a host of challenges.  The need for engineers was so great that when the United States entered the war in 1917, the British and French militaries wanted engineers in particular be sent overseas.  In all, the United States sent thousands of army engineers to the Western Front.  
Engineers built roads, bridges, and even railroads that were vital for the transportation of people and supplies.  In addition, engineers were also active in fighting the enemy directly.  Engineers were heavily involved in developing and deploying American tanks on the battlefields, and played a key role in creating and defending against chemical weapons.
Essential Question
Why does the military require individuals with diverse skills?
Check for Understanding
Describe Henry Stickley's contribution to the war effort.
Historical Challenges
The Army Corps of Engineers is still very active today. What type of projects does the Corps of Engineers do within the United States? What type of tasks do combat engineers perform on the modern battlefield?
Interdisciplinary Connections
Math: While in France, the United States Army Corps of Engineers created 800 miles of railway lines. If the engineer units worked 16 hours every day for two years to complete the entire length of rail lines, how many miles of rail did the engineers complete each week?
Technology: Engineers were responsible for the development and use of American tanks. How does a tank move? Use a remote-control car to design your own tracked vehicle. Your vehicle should be able to travel up and down a sloped surface, and travel on dry ground and mud.