Wartime fingerprinting, 1917 C014 / 0460
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Wartime fingerprinting, 1917 C014 / 0460
Wartime fingerprinting. German being fingerprinted in New York City, USA, during the First World War (1914-1918). Research into fingerprinting developed throughout the 19th century. Its applications became widespread during the 20th century, ranging from forensics to identification systems. In this case, fingerprints were used to record the identity of foreign aliens during the war. The USA declared war on Germany in April 1917. 250, 000 civilians of German origins had to register, and several thousand were interned. This 1917 photograph is from the Bain News Service, one of the USAs earliest news picture libraries
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Media ID 9227657
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1910s 1917 Bain News Service Biometric Biometrics Biometry Desk Fingerprint Fingerprints First World War Forensics German Great War Identification Identity New York New York City North American Policeman Record Card Records Restriction Wartime World War 1 World War I Arrest Authority Fingerprinting Germans Internee Internees Internment Law And Order Police Station Registered Registration Restrictions
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - wartime fingerprinting during the First World War. Taken in 1917 at a police station in New York City, USA, it showcases the technological advancements of the time as well as the strict measures taken to ensure national security. During this period, research into fingerprinting had evolved considerably, finding various applications from forensics to identification systems. In this particular case, fingerprints were used to record the identities of foreign aliens residing in America during the war. As tensions escalated between Germany and the United States following America's declaration of war on Germany in April 1917, approximately 250,000 civilians with German origins were required to register their identities. Several thousand individuals were subsequently interned. The photograph portrays an American policeman diligently capturing a German man's fingerprints using an ink pad and record card. The image reflects both authority and restriction as local authorities sought to maintain law and order while identifying potential threats among enemy aliens. Preserved by the Bain News Service - one of America's earliest news picture libraries - this historical snapshot serves as a reminder of how biometric technology played a crucial role during times of conflict. It also sheds light on the experiences faced by Germans living in North America during World War I.
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