PROPAGANDA Information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause

In other words... Let’s make the Germans look bad Huns – a Central Asian tribe legendary for its ferocity (think Attila the Hun). A derogatory term for Germans. Use of the term seems to derive from a simple desire to characterize the Germans as expansionist barbarians.

American Use of Propaganda George Creel, former newspaperman, heads up the Committee on Public Information Appointed by Woodrow Wilson after US entry into war Used artists, writers, and speakers to “sell” the war to Americans

Propaganda Used to Engage Citizens Posters would use images and phrasing that would be familiar to the American public Posters would also be specific for groups of people when necessary

Red Cross

Used for Food and Fuel Conservation

Bond Drives – Raising Money

Espionage and Sedition

And also for Selective Service Administration

THE DRAFT & AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT

The Draft The Selective Service Act of May 1917 was established to draft young men for the military service Early on men age were drafted – by late 1918 it extended to include men age 18-45

The Draft By November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draftBy November 1918 more than 24 million had registered for the draft From those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the warFrom those a lottery selected 3 million to serve in the war

Louis P. Starkweather was eventually Honorably Discharged from the Army for Medical Reasons.

Courtney Nash Starkweather Company I, 3rd Chemical Battalion, U.S. Army Class of 1920 Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons Dies from the effects of gas October 4, 1918

Germans in the US Widespread DiscriminationWidespread Discrimination –Fired from jobs –Changed their names Schools stopped teaching German language –Physical and Verbal Attacks

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

Factory Work

Suffrage Wilson calls for Congress to approve the 19 th Amendment!Wilson calls for Congress to approve the 19 th Amendment! We have made partners of the women in this war. Shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of right? September 1918

African Americans in the War Could only serve in the Army or NavyCould only serve in the Army or Navy In the Navy, they could only serve in the kitchenIn the Navy, they could only serve in the kitchen In the Army they were laborers, delivery personnel, and messengersIn the Army they were laborers, delivery personnel, and messengers

African Americans in the War Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat!Several regiments were loaned out to the French and saw combat!

The 369th Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters”The 369th Regiment or “Harlem Hell Fighters” 191 days in combat191 days in combat …more than any other American unit!

Nearly 200 members were awarded medals for bravery…Nearly 200 members were awarded medals for bravery… …by the French!

African Americans Post-War Enjoyed freedoms in France they could not enjoy in U.S.Enjoyed freedoms in France they could not enjoy in U.S. The efforts of these troops lead to a greater awareness of inequalities in AmericaThe efforts of these troops lead to a greater awareness of inequalities in America Civil Rights movements grow…Civil Rights movements grow…