Mobilizing the Home Front Enlistment and Recruitment

Women and the War At home, women took on jobs traditionally held by men Railroads, docs, factories building ships and airplanes Teachers and nurses Led volunteer groups About 1 million women entered the workforce during WW1 *Women’s contribution to the war was a reason Wilson gave for granting women the vote in 1920.

Regulating Food The US Food Administration was created to manage and increase food production Led by Herbert Hoover Slogan “Food can win the war” Goals: Increase production of crops Conserve existing food supplies “Meatless Mondays” and “Wheat-less Wednesdays”

Regulating Fuel The Fuel Administration Set production goals and prices for fuels. Led by Harry Garfield To encourage conservation, Garfield introduced daylight saving time “Gas-less Sundays” and “Heat-less Mondays”

Regulating Industry War Industries Board Had the authority to regulate all materials needed in the war effort. Increased American industrial production by 20 percent National War Labor Board Judged disputes between workers and management Improved working conditions: Officially established the 8-hour workday

Financing the War Fighting a war is enormously expensive. In order to pay for it, taxes were raised, and the government borrowed money to pay for the war. The national debt grew from $1.2 billion dollars in 1916 to $25.5 billion in Most of that debt was owed to Americans who had purchased War Bonds (liberty bonds/loans)

Limiting Anti-War Speech As the Wilson administration built public support, it also tried to limit public opposition to the war. In 1917 Congress passed the Espionage Act and the Sedition Act, punishing people for aiding the enemy or refusing military duty, and made it illegal for Americans to “utter, print, write, or publish any disloyal… or abusive language” criticizing the government, the flag, or the military. More than 1,000 opponents of the war were jailed under these laws. In Schenck v. United States, the Supreme court held that some limits needed to be placed on individual free speech rights during wartime to ensure the country’s overall safety.