Mobilizing for War

I. Mobilization Selective service Act: required all males between the ages of 21-30 to register American Expeditionary Force Led by General John J. Pershing Helped stop Germans at Chateau-Thierry turning the tide of the war. Armistice Day November 11, 1918 African-Americans in the AEF Encountered discrimination and prejudice Units segregated from white units Germans used leaflets to urge defection

II. War on the Home Front Financing the War Biggest Concern 1/3 financed through taxes War Revenue Act: boosted tax rate sharply 2/3 Liberty Bonds “Are you worthy to be fought and died for?” Buy Liberty Bonds Biggest Concern Government placed industries under federal agencies Citizens helped produce materials, cut back on food and help pay for war

III. Attack on Civil Liberties Propaganda Government attempted to “sell the war” George Creel and the Committee on Public Information proclaimed the government’s version of acts and discredited all who questioned that version Used propaganda to shape opinion Encouraged people to spy on neighbors Germany was evil force in the world Americans hated anything German Liberty sandwich, liberty cabbage not hamburger, sauerkraut Espionage and Sedition Acts Imposed severe penalties for spying Schenck v. US (1919) Court ruled free speech may be curtailed during war.

IV. Wilson’s Fourteen Points January 1918, President Wilson presented goals for lasting peace – Fourteen points Based on “Principle of justice to all people.” Eliminate disarmament Freedom of seas Open diplomacy People should have right to choose their government Proposed League of Nations – peacekeeping organization

The wartime mood, originally one of idealism and high resolve, had degenerated into suspicion, narrow conformity, and persecution of all who failed to meet the zealots’ notion of 100% Americanism

V. After the War Treaty of Versailles Big Four Wilson – U.S. Great Britain – George Italy – Orlando France – Clemenceau Allies ignored Wilson’s plan and drew up treaty to punish Germany Germany responsible for war Repay allies for cost Lost territory and stripped of colonies League of Nations formed U.S. Ratification Fight Treaty criticized because it called for troops to be under League of Nations Senate refused to ratify Treaty of Versailles negotiated a separate treaty with Central Powers

VI. Demobilization and Effects Postwar Demobilization Labor Strikes and Red Scare Labor unrest rose during economic downturn Labor unrest and political radicalism linked - Red Scare was suspicion and persecution of those with communist links Palmer Raids: raided suspected anarchists and communists Effects of World War I Exposed the heterogeneity of American people and the divisions among them. Government intervened and influenced people’s lives more than ever before. US became the leading economic power and largest trading nation Ended progressivism resulting in mood of cynicism and discouragement among intellectuals Lost Generation (Ernest Hemingway)