World War I on the Home Front Aim: How did life change in America during WWI? Do Now: Write down two reasons why the U.S. changed from its isolationist view and entered WWI

Selective Service Act U.S. needed a way to raise an army Selective Service Act is passed in May of 1917 Required men between 18 and 45 to register with the government to be randomly selected for military service 24 million registered with about 3 million being called to duty during the war

Espionage and Sedition Acts Passed in June 1917 and May 1918 Espionage Act made it a crime to interfere with the war effort or to “promote the success of its enemies” Sedition Act made it a crime to say anything that was disloyal to or criticized the government or military It was a general crackdown on labor organizers, socialists, anti-war activists, radicals and recent immigrants

Schenck V. United States (1919) An American Socialist named Charles Schenck distributed leaflets calling the draft a “deed against humanity,” among other things. He was convicted of violating the Sedition Act and appealed his case to the Supreme Court The Supreme Court upheld his conviction, saying during wartime his words were not protected under free speech

Red Scare 1918-1921 In response to fear over the Russian Revolution Attorney General Alexander Palmer and assistant J. Edgar Hoover set up “mass raids and deportations of alleged Communists, Bolsheviks, and ‘reds’ of various shades.” Communism was a direct threat to the American way of life Americans in general were wary of and even attacked immigrants from European countries like Germany and Austria-Hungary

Wartime Economy Wages increased, but so did food and housing costs Unions grew and strikes became frequent President Wilson established the National War Labor Board in 1918 Improved factory conditions but also told laborers to “work or fight”

Patriotism and Helping the Cause President Wilson needed public opinion to be in support of the war The government created a domestic propaganda campaign and started the Committee on Public Information to try to achieve this The CPI placed pro-war advertisements in magazines and passed out pamphlets usually attacking Germany There was also an emphasis on purchasing liberty bonds and conserving resources such as food and donating books for the war effort

Create Your Own… Create your own wartime poster urging Americans to either conserve their resources for the war or to donate money and supplies. Create a catchy slogan and make sure to explain why their help is needed. A relevant and appropriate visual