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Explore the changes and accomplishments that occurred on the American homefront during World War I, including the role of women, African Americans, and immigrants, as well as the efforts of various government boards and administrations.
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Chapter 21 – World War I Section 2
Building The Military • Before the war we had a decent sized Navy, but the army was not big enough. • Many men volunteered to fight. • Selective Service did the rest -> draft for all men between 21 and 30.
The War at Home-Changes for. . . • Women • Many women moved into jobs traditionally held by men. Women’s wartime efforts encouraged passed of the 19th Amendment, which recognized their right to vote.
The War at Home-Changes for. . . • African Americans • The Great Migration involved the massive movement of African Americans from Southern rural areas to Northern cities. It caused new problem for AA as they began to live in cities, but it also improved their economic status. AA soldiers were allowed for the first time to serve under AA officers. 380,000 served in this war!
No education? No problem! • 25% of recruits were illiterate. • Many from rural areas not used to eating meals or taking a bath each day. • Army taught millions of soldiers to fight, read and write. • They also taught good hygiene, nutrition, and loyalty to the country.
The War at Home Herbert Hoover Head of Food Administration
The War at Home-Things accomplished • Food Administration • Encouraged Americans to reduce their consumption of food voluntarily; tripled food shipments to the Allies; encouraged farmers to increase production by setting a high government price for wheat and other staples
The War at Home-Things accomplished • War Industries Board • Encouraged companies to use mass production techniques and to standardize products; set production quotas; allocated raw materials; conducted psychological testing to help people find right jobs; increased industrial production by about 20%; caused retail prices and corporate profits to soar; helped to bring about changes in women’s fashion
The War at Home-Things accomplished • National War Labor Board • Resolved disputed between management and labor; pushed for improved working conditions (8hr. Day, safety inspections, ban on child labor)
The War at Home-Things accomplished • Railroad Administration • Controlled the nation’s railroads & creates the first time zones • Fuel Administration • Regulated coal supplies; rationed gasoline and heating oil, introduced daylight-savings time
The War at Home-Things accomplished • Committee on Public Information • Mobilized the nation’s artists and advertising people to popularize the war; recruited 75,000 Four Minute Men to deliver pro-war speeches; increase morale and public’s support for the war
The War at Home-Things accomplished • Espionage and Sedition Acts • The arrests of 6,000 people and the convictions of 1,500; loss of mailing privileges for publications that criticized the war; firing of people opposed to the war; imprisonment of Eugene V. Debs, Emma Goldman, and Bill Haywood
The War at Home-Changes for. . . Immigrants and language • Many lost their jobs; some were attacked or threatened; a few were killed • Name changes for anything having to do with Germany. • German Measles – changed to “liberty measles” • Sauerkraut – becomes “liberty cabbage” • Dachshunds - now “liberty pups” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-German_sentiment#First_World_War