Rob Schorman

On February 2, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine was attacked off the coast of Cuba. The Maine sank, resulting in 260 fatalities. While it was unclear who was responsible for the attack, Americans suspected Spanish saboteurs, and the incident would become known as the attack that started the Spanish—American War. Americans responded with a rise in patriotism, a response that inspired the fashion industry in several ways. New styles incorporated designs such as eagles and flags, while storeowners capitalized on the patriotic mood by including pro—American themes in their advertisements and window displays. Not everyone supported this display of patriotism, however; some Americans called the "commercialization of war" inappropriate, arguing that it was disrespectful to use flag imagery to sell merchandise. Author Rob Schorman examines how Americans during wartime expressed their patriotism...