War To End War

All the burning bridges that have fallen after me
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door
Burning bridges lost forevermore
--Mike Curb Congregation

World War I was labeled 'The War To End All Wars." The label is attributed to British author and social commentator H.G. Wells who suggested that defeating the Central Powers via military conflict would bring permanent end to war.

The mindset lingered in American thought after the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Experiencing the bloody consequences and ugly social aftermath of WWI, many Americans no longer had taste for war--particularly war fought on foreign soil. Never again will the United States become entangled in conflicts involving other nations, many vowed.

1921 $1 Peace PCGS MS66 CAC

To signify the notion, a new silver dollar design, a 'peace dollar,' was developed. The coins was first struck in 1921. The Peace Dollar is the only circulation coin minted in US history inscribed with the word 'Peace.'

1935-S $1 Peace PCGS MS66 CAC ex Jack Lee

Of course, we now know that the peaceful mindset didn't last. The Peace Dollar itself fell out of favor and was discontinued after 1935--appropriate enough as the world was gearing up for a new global conflict that would put the War To End All Wars to shame.

We haven't learned it yet. War begets war, not peace.