AMERICA PREPARES FOR WAR RAISING AN ARMY NAVY

AMERICA PREPARES FOR WAR

RAISING AN ARMY & NAVY • In 1917 the USA was not ready for a major war. • Because so many people were needed for the War, the government began a draft • The Selective Service Act This required all male 21 -30 to sign up for military service. • By the end of 1918, nearly 3 million men had been drafted.

OVER THERE! THE YANKS ARE COMING • 2 million men volunteered • About 2 million men went to France • They severed in the AEF under General Pershing • The French & British wanted to command the US troops. Pershing & Wilson said no. They would fight as a separate and distinct combat group. This would give the Americans greater voice at the Peace treaty

THE YANKS ARE COMING • Around 400, 000 African-Americans severed in the Armed forces • As at home, Black soldiers faced discrimination in the Army. In the beginning, they could only be used as laborers , eventually , 2 black combat unit were formed. Discrimination came from white soldiers, not the European allies.

WOMEN VOLUNTEER • Nearly 40, 000 American women also severed in WW! • Some volunteered in the American Red cross, worked as nurses, entertained troops, and drove ambulances.

THE GOV MOBILIZES THE POPULATION • The government would need the civilian population to help in the war effort. • WW 1 cost 35. 5 billion dollars. The US needed $$$$ • Americans help buy more than 20 billion in WAR BONDS • Civilians help conserve valuable resources. People did the following: • Collected tins cans • Paper • People grew their own food.

• People planted Victory gardens • Had meatless Mondays, wheat less (no bread) no driving on Sundays(save gas)

CONTROLLING THE ECONOMY & INFORMATION • In 1917, President Wilson set up the War Industries Board • It managed buying and distribution of war materials • Another government agency was the National War labor Board, it settled conflicts between workers and factory owners. • To Rally citizens support

RALLY CITIZEN SUPPORT • President Wilson created the Committee on Public Information • The committee produced propaganda ( opinions expressed for the sole purpose of influencing the actions of others) • the committee sold the war through posters , movies and handouts

ATTACKS ON CIVIL LIBERTIES & DISSENT • Patriotic propaganda did much to win support for the war. • Anti-German & anti-foreign feelings fueled prejusdice. • Anything now German sounding was bad. • In June 1917, Congress passed the Espionage Acts, followed by the Sedition Act. These set heavy fines and jail time for anti-war activity. In Schenck vs US, the Supreme court ruled on side of the Government could limits peoples free speech this up help the Espionage act