The first world war helped shape modern America. Why is it so forgotten?

On the centenary of US entry, Americans reflect on a war that helped make the US a pre-eminent economic and military power but lacked a clear moral lessonIt redefined women’s rights, race relations, civil liberties and America’s role in the world. It caused twice as many American deaths as the Vietnam war. But there is no national memorial to it in Washington DC and, on Thursday, its centenary will pass with little fanfare.On 6 April 1917, America declared war on Germany and charged