America Goes to War – On the Home Front

April 6th, 1917- U.S. Enters the war U.S. troops don’t land until 1918 U.S. was unprepared… Need troops, supplies and money U.S. government needed to convince the American People to support the war

Convincing the American People Goals For War: War to End All Wars Making the World Safe for Democracy It was believed that the war will produce a new world order with balance power, hence no more war will be needed as everybody will be content. Especially Germany which was so eagerly waiting for an excuse to start the war so she can took over Britain and France as the new world leader. Of course this was an unbelievably naive thinking. When the was start in 1914, the world, especially Europe was at the edge of drastic changes. WW1 not only failed to handle such changes and came up with a new balance, it created further problems and hatred between the major powers. In a significant way WW1 was the cause of WW2.  Words used by President Woodrow Wilson in 1917 to justify his call for adeclaration of war on Germany. The words implied that Germany'smilitarism threatened democracy everywhere.

Wilson Mobilizes for War War Industries Board Mass production Set quotas Caused retail prices to soar $$ soars as we are supplying Europe and ourselves Selective Service Act The Draft – 1917 MANDATORY! We need troops! Ages 21-30 By 1918, 3 million men drafted

Supplies U.S. provided the food, money, and fresh troops needed to win the war 35.5 Billion dollars U.S. cost for WWI American paid 2/3 of the amount War Bonds Low-interest loans by civilians to the government Used to help provided food and other supplies for soldiers Actors, children, and women played a large role in selling to the public.

Creating Patriotic Citizens Saved food to help support the war needs Wheatless Monday & Wednesday Meatless Tuesday Sweetless Thursday Porkless Friday Fuel Limits Gasless Sundays Lightless Nights Daylight Saving Time

Winning Public Support PROPAGANDA opinions expressed for the purpose of influencing the actions of others Fuels prejudice Infringes on U.S. Rights Enforcing Loyalty Hatred of all things German Espionage Act 1917 Sedition Act of 1918 Set heavy fines and long prison terms for antiwar activities, draft resisters, and illegal to criticize the war

How the Home Front Helped Win the War The New Workers Women Filled factory jobs Steel Mills, Assembly Lines, Ammunition Factories Red Cross (nurses) First time in history – women served in the military Gave public a wider view of abilities helped lead to the 19th Amendment (right to vote)

How the Home Front Helped Win the War The New Worker African Americans Served in segregated units (still faced discrimination over seas) “Great Migration” Thousands of African American moved North to work in factories 1910- 1920 500,000 Hoped for a better life away from poverty and racial violence