The Home Front Chapter 16 Section 2
Why did congress pass the Espionage Act in 1917?
The Draft The Selective Service Act of May 1917 was established to draft young men for the military service Early on men age 21-31 were drafted – by late 1918 it extended to include men age 18-45
By November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draft From those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the war
Do you believe it is the responsibility of all abled bodied individuals to serve in the military, or should they have the choice to abstain?
African Americans in the War Many had no choice where to serve – only the Navy and Army accepted recruits Served as laborers, delivery personnel, messengers, and in the kitchen (within the navy)
African Americans in the War Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat The 369th Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters” was cited most for their bravery and as the first to reach the Rhine River in Germany
Sergeant Henry Johnson, 369th Infantry ("Harlem Hellfighters"), who single-handedly fought off a German raiding party to save his comrade, Private Needham Roberts, 1918.
African Americans Post-War Frustrated at the freedoms that they experienced, but did not return to in the US Experience (and freedom) overseas led to the early beginnings of the Civil Rights movement
A small number worked in the signal corps (communications) Women in the War Filled a variety of roles in the war effort including caregivers (nurses) and home defense A small number worked in the signal corps (communications)
Telephone Operators
Navy Nurses aboard USS George Washington in 1918
How did Congress ensure that the United States would have enough troops to serve in World War I?
Complete a graphic organizer to identify the effects of the war on the American workforce. U.S. Groups Effects Women African Americans Hispanics