John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu (1866 – 1929), motoring advocate, publisher of The Car and all-around cheerleader for the internal combustion engine gave an address in which he extolled the virtues of the automobile in societal evolution. Some of the virtues are just plain quaint while others touch upon elements of Edwardian life we would never consider. Lord Montagu innocently believed that motorists would play a part as unofficial ambassadors; traveling abroad, joyfully chatting with one and all and thereby decreasing the chances of a European war.
No doubt, he would have been deeply dismayed to learn of the active part the automobile played throughout both the World Wars.
Facts about American car ownership in the 1920s can be read here…
