Mobilizing for War
Natalie Herklotz
How Civilians Helped
There were many ways that civilians contributed to the war effort. Some ways included women taking over the men's jobs while they were at war and taking care of the sick/wounded men. Also Victory Gardens encouraged people to become less dependent on the food industry, which allowed more food resources to be sent overseas. Meatless Tuesdays and Wheatless Wednesdays were other ways people became less dependent of the food industries.
Preventing Spread of information
Keeping information from leaving the country was necessary for success in War, so the government began making propaganda to create a negative outlook on Germany. This wasn't enough so the Espionage Act of 1917 and Sedition Act of 1918 helped prosecute people who encouraged anti-war or leaked info to the Central Powers. In the Schenck vs. US people claimed that their rights were being violated, however, it was ruled that Congress could oppress certain rights during war in order to keep the people and nation as a whole safe.
Paying for the War
Liberty Bonds were the main way the US paid for the war because it was a voluntary thing, so people didn't feel forced. If taxes were raised, the public would not support the war because they would be forced to pay for it. With Liberty Bonds the citizens paid the government, which funded the war, and after they would be paid back with interest. These bonds became popular because the people received interest.
Recruiting and Training Soldiers
When the US entered the war there were initially enough men, but soon more were needed. The first draft was made which forced all men between the ages of 18 to 30 to have names drawn, the ones picked would been trained then eventually enlisted in Europe to fight.