The Home FrontWorld War I

Focus Question

In a short reply of one to three sentences, respond to the following prompt:

• Why is it important to maintain public support for a war?

Mobilization

• The U.S. mobilized swiftly•Large-scale recruitment of troops• Two million men volunteered for service

•Selective Service enacted in May 1917• 2.8 million drafted during the war

Supply

• Focused on industry to the war effort• “The Arsenal of Democracy”• Established agencies to harness

production• War Industries Board – Manufacturing• Food Administration – Agricultural

production• Fuel Administration – Stockpile fuel for

war use• National War Labor Board – prevent

work stoppages

Financing the War• Involvement in the war cost the U.S. about $23

Billion ($387 Billion in today’s money)• How do you raise that kind of money?

• Taxes – Steep increases in income taxes• Basic rate of 6% for those earning over $4,000• Highest rate 77% for those earning over a million

Financing the War (II)• Savings bonds• $17 billion raised

New Departures• The First World War was a new war for the U.S.• Fought largely overseas• Involved large numbers of men• Involved massive expenditures• Involved scarcity of goods• Few knew how long the war would last.

• How to maintain public morale during the war?

Volunteerism and Boosterism

•Sponsored numerous drives to support the troops• “Wheatless Wednesdays”• “Meatless Mondays”• Planting victory gardens

Public Morale Vital• The Committee of Public Information• George Creel• Sponsored Public Speakers• Promoted films newsreels,

songs, etc.• Support the War effort

Civil Rights Violations• Socialists and peace activists targeted • Espionage Act of 1917• Sedition Act of 1918

• 1,000 convicted • Upheld in Schenck

v. United States 1919“Clear and Present Danger”

Summary

In a short reply of one to two sentences, respond to the following prompt:

• Explain what you liked and what you did not like about today’s lesson.