World War I and the United States

To prepare to go to war, the U.S. government had three huge tasks: 1. Secure the necessary weapons, food, and supplies to support an army. 2. Find enough men to drastically expand the army. 3. Raise enough money to afford # 1 and # 2.

To ensure that American business and industry met the needs of the military Wilson established the War Industries Board under the Leadership of Bernard Baruch.

The War Industries Board assumed powerful control over the nation’s economy: - set production quotas - established central control distribution of raw materials - set prices

Congress also passed the Railway Administration Act in 1918: - Government takeover of the railroads in America! - Schedules, rates, wages, etc.. dictated by U.S. govt. - Promised to return control to owners within 21 months of the end of the war.

National War Labor Board - Led by President Taft - Ensure that organized labor supported the war effort and would not strike. Why? - Helped unions finally secure some gains in wages and reduction of hours. National War Labor Board

The most effective way for the government to secure the necessary funds was to sell. . . Bonds

Anyone explain how a govt bond works?

To encourage people to buy bonds to fund the war effort, the government launched a massive propaganda campaign.

President Wilson appointed George Creel to oversee the Committee on Public Information, the group responsible for that propaganda.

Good propaganda is all about playing on people’s emotions, making them sad, getting them angry, scaring them.

The Liberty bond campaign was successful at raising $23 Billion for the war. The rest of the cost was made up by increases in various taxes.

If Americans couldn’t or wouldn’t buy bonds, there were still other things they could do to support the war effort.

The government also needed men to serve, men who were willing to volunteer to go to France and perhaps die. Once again, the government turned to propaganda to encourage men to enlist.

Once again, the government turned to propaganda to encourage men to enlist.

The army could not get enough men to volunteer willingly so in May, 1917 Congress passed the first Selective Service Act.

24 Million men registered with the government and were eligible to be randomly selected to serve in the army. Over 4 million men were drafted under this system.

Amongst those called to serve were over 400,000 African-Americans.

Gen. John J. Pershing led the U. S. forces into Europe Gen. John J. Pershing led the U.S. forces into Europe. 2 million soldiers formed the American Expeditionary Force and sailed for France to fight the Central Powers.

Fin.

To further explore the reality of WWI, head to Schoology and complete the Solider Letter assignment found there.