War on the Home Front

Selling the War Britain began selling Americans on the idea of war long before its actual involvement. Britain cut the transatlantic telegraph cable from Europe to the U.S., limiting war news to mainly British reports. Used propaganda posters to influence opinion Leaked stories depicting numerous German war atrocities, e.g. Germans used corpses to make fertilizer and soap.

Committee on Public Information The Committee on Public Information was created to sell the war; headed by George Creel. Sent “four-minute men” to give patriotic speeches Created propaganda posters encouraging people to join, support, or finance the war Leaflets and pamphlets told the ideals of the war Created movie shorts and propagnada films (often starring Charlie Chaplin) Patriotic songs were promoted

“Over There” Johnnie get your gun, get you gun, get your gun, Take it on the run, on the run, on the run, Hear them calling you and me; Every son of Liberty Hurry right away, no delay, go today, Make your daddy glad to have had such a lad Tell your sweetheart not to pine, To be proud her boy's in line. Chorus: Over There, Over There Send the word, send the word, Over There That the Yanks are coming, The Yanks are coming, The drums rum tumming everywhere So prepare, Say a Prayer Send the word, Send the word to beware We'll be over, we're coming over. And we won't be back till it's over over there! Johnnie get your gun, get you gun, get your gun, Johnnie show the Hun, you're a Son-of-a-Gun, Hoist the flag and let her fly Like true heros do or die Pack your little kit, show your grit, do your bit, Soldiers to the ranks from the towns and the tanks, Make your Mother proud of you and to Liberty be true.

Bell Ringer Which of the long-term causes (ANIMAL) of America’s involvement in WWI do you think had the biggest impact on pushing us towards war? Why?

The Draft U.S. needed massive military force Draft implemented for men No longer allowed to purchase an exemption 24 million registered; 6.4m actually called into service Supposed to get six months training – were lucky to get six weeks Women served as nurses, and blacks served in segregated units, mostly as support staff New York City men wait to register for the draft

Anti-German Sentiment German-Americans were largely loyal to the United States, but were branded as spies and saboteurs. German names were re- branded to more “patriotic” names.

War Industries Board and National War Labor Board War Industries Board: created to coordinate production of materials for the war effort National War Labor Board: created to settle any worker disputes and keep people on the job Businesses were encouraged to keep wages high and hours long Supported by AFL – patriotic duty Not supported by IWW (Wobblies) – detrimental to future labor efforts

Food and Fuel Administrations Food Administration: Headed by Herbert Hoover, it relied on volunteer efforts to conserve food for the soldiers; was wildly popular Meatless Mondays, Wheatless Wednesdays, etc. Encouraged citizens to plant victory gardens to relieve food for the war effort

Food and Fuel Administration Fuel Administration: Not nearly as popular; Lightless Nights, Heatless Tuesdays Instituted Daylight Saving Time to help conserve energy and fuel.

America on the Move The Great Migration – Millions of African Americans moved to Northern industrial cities to fill jobs left by men who left for war. Influx of Mexican immigrants into Southwest Vastly changed demographics, leading to racial tension

Epidemic!: The Spanish Flu The Spanish flu quickly spread around Europe and the United States Killed soldiers and civilians alike 20 million people worldwide… DOUBLE the number of soldiers killed in WWI!

Espionage and Sedition Acts Espionage Act: sought to prosecute “spies” 1,900 prosecutions followed, including Eugene V. Debs, the Socialist leader Sedition Act: sought to prosecute anyone engaging in “seditious” activity Essentially negated the first amendment Trading With the Enemy Act: sought to prosecute those who traded with the Central Powers during wartime Also imprisoned those who communicated with the enemy.

Protecting Liberties? ACLU: American Civil Liberties Union Created to protect the basic rights of Americans; used legal system to protect citizens and release the unrightfully imprisoned Schenck v. United States: the Supreme Court invented the famous "clear and present danger" test to determine when a state could limit an individual's right to free speech

11, 11, 11 The war officially ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month of the year 1918 Nov. 11, 11am The anniversary of the end of the war became known as Armistice Day; now known as Veterans Day.

Ending the War: The Armistice November 11, 1918 Temporary agreement to stop fighting Peace negotiations and treaty followed