World War I United States War Mobilization Learning

World War I United States War Mobilization

Learning Goals • Understand how the United States mobilized its industry and population for war

American Mobilization • U. S. already leading industrial power at outbreak of war. • War Industries Board created under leadership of Bernard Baruch – regulated all industries involved in war effort • Industry cooperated – patriotism and profit (cost-plus contracting – government covered all costs of production and added fixed profit) • Paid for by increasing top income tax rate to 77% and government borrowing (war bonds – government bond sold to Americans) • Why did the U. S. need to regulate industry during the war? Mass production made possible by industrial revolution of late 1800 s/early 1900 s

American Mobilization • Millions of Americans volunteered for military service, including thousands of women and African-Americans • Millions more were drafted into service; Selective Service Act – required men of military age to register for conscription; chosen by lottery & local draft boards • 4. 8 million Americans served in the military (5. 2% of the population) History Trivia: If 5. 2% of the current U. S. population joined the military, that would be 16, 000 people

Group Exercise • Directions: develop a plan to maximize your group’s available resources to buy war materials while spending no more that 500 units

Assignment • Read section 10. 3 and complete reading guide, due November 11 th