Granite State Stories: N.H. raises $17 million in third Liberty Loan campaign

World War I cost the United States an estimated $22 billion, and the federal government raised two-thirds of that amount through five Liberty Loan campaigns held between 1917 and 1919.

In total, New Hampshire residents contributed more than $80 million to these campaigns and gave an additional $1 million to private relief organizations like the American Red Cross.

On average, each Granite State resident gave $164 to the war effort, which exceeded the national average of $153 per person.

The third Liberty Loan campaign, which began in April 1918, involved a massive public relations effort by the U.S. government. President Woodrow Wilson declared April 27 as National Liberty Loan Day and purchased a $50 bond, challenging every American to match him. In New Hampshire, the third Liberty Loan campaign raised more than $17 million.

N.H. Historical Society