Germany in War Time: What an American Girl Saw and Heard

"Germany in War Time: What an American Girl Saw and Heard" by Mary Ethel McAuley, recounts the experiences and observations of a young American woman during her two-year stay in Germany during World War I. Through her eyes, the book explores the daily realities, social shifts, and hardships endured by the German people, particularly women and soldiers, amidst the ongoing conflict. McAuley begins by detailing the strict entry procedures Americans faced when entering Germany during the war, including her own crossing from Denmark, noting the pervasive military presence in Berlin and the soldiers' yearning for peace. This sets the scene for the book's broader exploration of wartime life, including the new roles women assumed, the growing scarcity of resources, and the war's emotional impact on the population.