US History Mrs. Housenick 11/6/12 WWI on the Homefront US History Mrs. Housenick 11/6/12

Rallying the Public President Wilson created new office Committee on Public Information To help raise public support for war effort Headed by George Creel Used rallies, parades, posters and pamphlets to persuade Americans to support war effort PROPAGANDA EFFORT

Government Limits Freedoms Espionage Act of 1917--punished people for aiding the enemy or refusing military duty German-Americans especially targeted Sedition Act--made it illegal for Americans to speak disloyally against the US 1000s went to jail under these laws Challenge by Supreme Court--Schenk v. United States Decided government can limit freedom of speech IF speech represents “clear and present danger”

Mobilizing for War US military didn’t have enough men to help the Allies, even with many enlisting 1917: Selective Service Act--required men between ages of 21-30 to register to be drafted into armed forces 3 million men who served drafted Some refused to fight because of religious beliefs African-Americans drafted, but had to serve in segregated units.

Women in Wartime First war women were sent overseas to aid in war effort Worked as interpreters, nurses and typists Not allowed in combat, but nurses and ambulance workers worked on front lines

Organizing for the War Government needed to raise money and supplies EXPANDED ITS ROLE IN THE ECONOMY! Congress raised income taxes Issued war bonds, called Liberty Bonds Money from the sale of the bonds provided loans to Allies for food and supplies

Organizing for the War ctnd. War Industries Board (WIB) Created to oversee production and distribution of goods made by country’s war factories Factories couldn’t use raw materials needed for war without WIB’s approval

Organizing for the War ctnd. Federal government set prices for food and fuel--to stop inflation Created Food Administration Encouraged Americans to conserve food by calling for “meatless Mondays” and “wheatless Wednesdays” Asked people to plant vegetables at home in “victory gardens”

Labor in the War Need for supplies meant need for workers so wages rose and working conditions improved Government created National War Labor Board To settle disputes between workers and management #1 GOAL IS TO PREVENT STRIKES!