Doregeles - That Fabulous Day

Doregeles describes the explosion of nationalism and enthusiasm in France following the French declaration of war.

• The preliminary announcement of troop mobilization instigated hoards of enlisters and French flags displayed in every window
• Mobs in the streets would sing the national anthem and revel in nationalist fervor
• Departing troops were excited and happy, gladly leaving their families for a break from the routine of industrial society
• Nationalism unified the nation, temporarily eliminating domestic political strife
• In the end, Doregeles remarks on the bitter irony in the excitement following the outbreak of war, looking back on the horrors of warfare and over a million casualties

Fabulous!