World War I Hits the Homefront Ch 19, Section 3

Congress Gives Power to Wilson Entire U.S. economy had to be refocused on the war effort. Too complicated and important for private industry. Congress gives President Wilson direct control over the economy – including power to fix prices and regulate certain industries.

POWER OF GOVERNMENT WAS GREATLY EXPANDED

War Industries Board Est. 1917. Reorganized 1918 under Bernard Baruch. Encouraged efficiency in industry. U.S. industrial production increased by 20 percent. Applied price controls at wholesale level.

Other Government Agencies Regulate Economy Railroads administration monitored railroads and Fuel Administration monitored use of coal, gasoline, heating oil.

Gasless Sundays NO

Lightless Nights

Daylight Savings Time Fuel Administration introduced in 1918. First suggested by Benjamin Franklin in the 1770s as a way to take advantage of longer summer days.

War Economy Wages rose Household income was undercut by rising food prices and housing costs Long work hours, child labor, and faster working conditions led to union strikes

National War Labor Board Est. by Wilson in 1918. Chaired by former President Taft Workers who refused to obey could lose draft exempt status. Pushed for shorter workday, safety inspections, and enforced a ban on child labor.

Food Administration Wilson selects Herbert Hoover to lead. Certain days: “meatless” “sweetless” “porkless” “wheatless”

Victory Gardens Families planted “Victory Gardens” Food shipments to allies tripled More land cultivated Farmers’ profits rose

Espionage and Sedition Acts Espionage Act – passed 1917 Gave postal officials authority to ban newspapers and magazines Obstructing draft could cause $10,000 fine and 20 yrs in jail

Sedition Act Passed 1918 made it a federal offense to use "disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language" about the Constitution, the government, the American uniform, or the flag 2,100 prosecuted

Eugene Debs A. Mitchell Palmer recommended clemency to Wilson Proposed pardon based on health – denied by Wilson – Treaty debate? Sentence commuted by Harding Christmas 1921

Schenck v. United States (1919) 1919 Supreme Court decision upholding the Espionage Act of 1917. Limited free speech based on “clear and present danger” precedent.