America on the Home America on the Home Front during World War IFront during World War I

Motivation: Could have America avoided participating in World War I?

Aim: What were conditions like on the American home front when the troops left to fight in World War?

Recruiting SoldiersRecruiting Soldiers

• Once Wilson declared war on May 18, 1917 the United States needed an army. To accomplish this goal Congress passed the Selective Service Act.

• The Selective Service Act required all young men from age 21 to 30 to register for the military draft.

• In the next 18 months, 4 million men and women joined the armed forces including (Puerto Ricans, Filipinos, Native Americans, and African Americans.

Organizing the War EffortOrganizing the War Effort

• To better organize factories to produce the goods the United States needed to fight the war, the government created the War Industries Board.

• The War Industries Board, told factories what they had to produce. It also divided up limited resources, settled disputes over working hours and wages.

Victory Gardens

• To help the country produce enough food for the soldiers, families back in America started Victory Gardens.

• Victory Gardens was where families grew their own crops and then jarred them to send overseas. Jarring also helped to conserve the food that was being used at home.

Raising Money

• To help raise money to pay for the war, the United States:

• Placed taxes on income, corporate finances, liquor, and other goods.

• Created Daylight Savings to take advantage of sunlight, and to conserve electricity.

• Sold Liberty Bonds, which were a way of people lending money to the government. People were promised to be paid back their money with interest.

AssignmentAssignment

• Create a propaganda poster convincing Americans to purchase a Liberty Bond, register for the draft, or plant a victory garden.

Your Poster Must Include:• A slogan• Reasons to purchase the Liberty Bonds, register for the draft, or plant a victory garden.• A graphic (a drawn picture or clip art)• Explain the benefits of a liberty bond, the draft, or

victory garden.