The Battle Cry of Peace

The Battle Cry of Peace is a 1915 American silent war drama film directed by Wilfrid North and J. Stuart Blackton, one of the founders of Vitagraph Company of America who also wrote the scenario. The film is based on the book Defenseless America, by Hudson Maxim, and was distributed by the conglomerate of VitagraphLubinSeligEssanay VLSE. The film stars Charles Richman, L. Rogers Lytton, and James W. Morrison.

In a wartorn world, enemies of the United States use pacifists as pawns to make sure that the United States does not spend too much on defense. Then the enemies attack and take over the country.Upon its release, the film generated a controversy rivaling that of Birth of a Nation because it was considered as militaristic propaganda. Producer Stuart Blackton believed that the US should join the Allies involved in WWI overseas and that was why he made the film. Former President Theodore Roosevelt was one of the films staunchest supporters and convinced Gen. Leonard Wood to loan Blackton an entire regiment of marines to use as extras. ........

Source: Wikipedia