United States Mobilizes and the War Time Economy
United States Mobilizes and the War Time Economy
American Expeditionary Force � AEF � Allied Powers had hoped the American troops would be sent to fill their own ranks � Americans would be put under foreign command � Wilson kept American Troops together as part of the AEF, a million-man army � Question army? was, how would he raise the
Selective Service Act � Volunteer � Wilson � Three or Conscription (draft)? choose the draft million men are drafted into the army � Depended on your date of birth, which was chosen out of a jar � Two million more volunteered � Conscientious Objectors � Men who refused to serve in the army, saying that killing violated their religious beliefs � Still had to report for military training if drafted � Most sent off as noncombatants � i. e. Drive the ambulance
War Time Economy � Though fighting in Europe had gone on for three years, the U. S. had not prepared for war � Wilson coordinated with Big Business to direct the economy towards the war � Wilson was given new powers by Congress to regulate wartime production
War Time Economy � War Industries Board � Created to coordinate American’s wartime manufacturing � Used profits rather than state controls to stimulate industry � Set � Food standard specification for all kinds of goods Administration � Oversaw production and distribution of food � Expand agricultural production by raising food princes � Wanted to avoid rationing food � Persuaded to troops the public to eat less wheat and meat so it could be sent
War Time Economy � Fuel Administration � Regulated coal and gasoline � Encouraged people to conserve their fuel � Railroad Administration � Railroads � Placed � All were nationalized under government control ticket prices were standardized � The government repaired railways and increased workers’ wages
War Time Economy � Emergency Ship Corporation � Built a fleet of merchant ships to transport men and supplies to Europe � War Labor Board �Government body that mediated disputes between owners and workers �Workers promised not to strike during the war �Wages increased
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