The Home Front during WWI

http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/overthere.htm

24,000,000 men registered for the draft by the end of 1918

4,800,000 men served in WWI (2,000,000 saw active combat)

400,000 African-Americansserved in segregated units

15,000 Native-Americans served as scouts, messengers, and snipers in non-segregated units

1917 Selective Service Act

“Great Migration.” 1916 – 1919

70,000

War industries work

Enlistment in segregated units

Opportunities for African Americans during WWI

· The War Industries Board told factories what to produce and the War Labor Board settled labor disputes

Labor 'Women working in larger munitions factories were known as Canaries because they dealt with TNT which caused their skin to turn yellow. Around 400 women died from overexposure to TNT during World War One. Other hazards were more obvious and minor problems were common.'From the biography of a 'Munitionette', Miss Joan Williams

The Role of Women in WWI

Women in the military– Army Nursing Corps 10,000 overseas

– Navy clerical duties, radio operators

War Industries Board – Bernard BaruchFood Administration – Herbert HooverFuel Administration – Railroad Administration – William McAdooNational War Labor Board – W. H.Taft & Frank P. Walsh

Organizing the War Effort at Home

Food Administration“Wheatless Mondays” “Meatless Tuesdays” “Porkless Thursdays”

http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/usa.htm

“V” is for Victory (Garden that is!)

Fuel Administration

Liberty Bonds and Victory Bonds

Committee on Public Information

Espionage ActEspionage Act – 1917

- forbade actions that obstructed recruitment or efforts to promote insubordination in the military.

- ordered the Postmaster General to remove Leftist

materials from the mail.

- fines of up to $10,000 and/or up to 20 years in prison.

How far are YOU willing to go for your country?

Sedition ActSedition Act – 1918 - it was a crime to speak against the purchase of war bonds or willfully utter, print, write or publish any disloyal, profane, or abusive language about this form of US Govt., the US

Constitution, or the US armed forces or to willfully urge, incite, or advocate any curtailment of production of things necessary or essential to the prosecution of the war…with intent of such curtailment to cripple or hinder the US in the prosecution of the war.

How far are YOU willing to go for your country?