America in WWI
Pictures!
Theme 1
German U-Boat
Crusade for Democracy
President Wilson knew that the American Population was not going to be in favor of getting involved in a war over seas, so he made it into something they would think was worth fighting for.
"To make the world safe for democracy!"
Wilson
Committee on Public Information, headed by journalist George Creel, sold American on the war anyway possible. Had workers at home and overseas who gave speeches, handed out pamphlets, and made people believe in the war effort.
Germany's Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
In response to Wilson's 14 points, Germany declared unrestricted submarine warfare, sinking ALL ships in their war zone. (Jan.31 1917)
Voluntary War Effort
Cost to Civil Liberties
Once the people believed the war was worth fighting they went into the war effort with full force.
They were tired of being on the brink of war with the U.S but not knowing whether it was going to happen or not, so they decided that they were going to end all questions.
Americans would burst into song about winning the war
four unarmed American merchant ships were sank during the first two weeks from Germany declaring this.
Espionage Act of 1917:
In fear of people harming the war effort many laws were put into place restricting what people could say and do.
Herbert C. Hoover was the head of the Food Administration and didn't believe in rations and preferred voluntary actions. He came up with the idea of victory gardens and having certain days where you would not eat a specific food ex. "wheat-less Wednesdays."
This, along with the Bolshevik Revolution brought the U.S into WWI
Sedition Act of 1918:
this law made it illegal for any person to convey information intended to interfere with the U.S. armed forces prosecution of the war effort or to promote the success of the country's enemies.
this act imposed harsh penalties on anyone found guilty of making false statements that interfered with the prosecution of the war; insulting or abusing the U.S. government, the flag, the Constitution or the military; agitating against the production of necessary war materials; or advocating, teaching or defending any of these acts.
Supreme court declared that these acts were legal, arguing that freedom of speech could be revoked when that speech posed a danger to the nation.
