WWI - Part IIMobilizing for War

Monday, March 22, 2010

Ethnic Ties to Europe

• German - Americans ties to Germany.

• Irish - Americans = anti-British

• Americans of French and British ancestry = pro-Allies

Monday, March 22, 2010

Trade and Loans

• US economic ties to Europe makes neutrality difficult.

• War increases demand for US made products.

• 1914-1916 exports to England and France grew 365%. $2.75 billion

Monday, March 22, 2010

Trade and Loans

• While exports to England and France increase. Exports to Germany decreases.

• US Banks lend $2.3 billion to Allied countries. Germany receives only $27 million.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Wilsonianism• The US could best lead

world affairs into a peaceful era.

• No barriers to commerce.

• Democratic principles.

• “We created this nation not to serve ourselves, but to serve mankind.”

Monday, March 22, 2010

US Goes to War

• April 2, 1917 US officially enters the war.

• Wilson hopes to create post-war peace that advances democracy and creates Open Doors.

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Draft• May 1917 - Selective

Service Act requires registration of all men 20-30 (now 18-45).

• 24 million registered.

• 3.7 million drafted

• 116,516 died

• 204,000 wounded

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Home Front• War Bonds - Liberty

Bonds. Sold to raise money for the war effort.

• Food Administration (headed by Herbert Hoover).

• Fuel Administration.

• Dollar Draft

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Home Front

• War Revenue Act 1917 - designed to prevent profiteering.

• African-Americans migrate to northern states.

• Espionage (1917) and Sedition (1918) Acts

Monday, March 22, 2010