Introduction to World War I and American Propaganda

  • Discussion of philosophy and politics emphasizing reason and human progress versus the realities of war.

  • Focus on the role of propaganda and war posters during World War I.

War Propaganda Examples

  • Notable propaganda by Uncle Sam encouraging enlistment in the US army: "I Want You for the US Army".

  • Mention of a recruiting station nearby.

Overview of World War I

  • Video presentation on the causes and early implications of World War I.

  • Exploration of how the war affected everyday Americans.

The Dawn of American Involvement in WWI

  • In 1917, American soldiers were deployed to France, marking the shift of the US to a world power.

  • President Woodrow Wilson viewed the war as a crusade to spread democracy.

  • Highlighting the consequences of the war on American identity and unity.

Diversity of American Troops

  • The American military was composed of soldiers from across the nation, reflecting diversity.

  • The war prompted deep societal questions: "What are we as a country? Who are we as a people?"

National Sentiment and Divisions During the War

  • Nationwide celebrations contrasted with divisiveness and paranoia concerning loyalty and dissent.

  • Example: A significant suppression of free speech occurred, especially targeting anti-war sentiments, women's suffrage campaigns, and voices in the African American community.

Event Context and Statistics

  • Reference to 14, where:

    • A loaf of bread cost $0.06,

    • Henry Ford's Model T sold for $500.

    • The U.S. population approached 100 million; a third of the population were immigrants.

    • Many American women had limited voting rights - only in 12 states.

The Evolution of American Military Influence

  • The US Army was ranked 17th globally in 1914.

  • U.S. had significant industrial capacity, leading in steel production and numerous resources.

  • Wilson's speech on July 4, 1914, posed the question regarding the influence of America on the global stage.

European Conditions Pre-WWI

  • Overview of European powers and political structures pre-WWI.

  • Explanation of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as a trigger for the war.

America's Initial Neutrality

  • The early US stance of neutrality in the war, despite emotional ties to Britain and Germany.

  • The blockade and submarine warfare that ensued negatively affected American merchant vessels.

The Lusitania Incident

  • The sinking of the British liner, the Lusitania, in May 1915, killing over a thousand, including 124 Americans.

  • Public outrage and its impact on American sentiments surrounding the war.

Wilson's Shift in Policy Towards War

  • Wilson's preparedness program was initiated due to rising tensions;

  • The outcome of the 1916 election with Wilson's slogan: “He Kept Us Out of War.”

Key Events Leading to War Declaration

  • Zimmermann Telegram: Germany's proposition to Mexico encouraging an alliance against the US.

  • After the US entered the war in April 1917, Wilson emphasized the goal of making the world safe for democracy.

U.S. Troop Engagement and War Impact

  • Massive US troop deployment in 1918 shifted the momentum on the battlefield.

  • The Kaiser resigned and Germany sought peace following US intervention, though significant losses were reported.

Domestic Adjustments in Response to War

  • World War I prompted an expansion of federal authority in everyday lives similar to the Civil War.

  • The Selective Service Act of May 1917 mandated registration for 24,000,000 men for the draft.

Role of Federal Agencies During Wartime

  • Creation of the War Industries Board to oversee production and allocation of resources.

  • Overview of the responsibilities of the Railroad Administration and the Fuel Administration.

  • Labor Board's efforts resulted in improved wages and working conditions.

Women's Contributions and Suffrage

  • Enumeration of women's active roles during the war, including selling bonds and labor in war industries.

  • Dramatic shifts leading to women’s suffrage as central to political discussions.

Financing the War Effort

  • Introduction of Liberty Bonds to raise funds; significant tax increases on wealthier citizens.

  • Visual propaganda reinforcing themes of duty and patriotism.

The Committee on Public Information (CPI)

  • Establishment of the CPI to manage public opinion and disseminate pro-war propaganda across various media.

  • Promotion of the war viewed as a fight for democracy and self-determination globally.

Legal Repression of Dissent

  • Enactment of the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918 repressive measures against dissenting voices.

  • Examples of mass arrests, including Eugene Debs’ conviction for anti-war statements.

Community Surveillance and Social Control

  • Intensified government scrutiny of citizens opposed to the war; creation of the American Protective League as a monitoring agency.

Labor Rights and the IWW

  • The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) as a radical labor union opposing the war and advocating for workers’ rights.

  • Description of violent suppression faced by IWW members and others resisting war efforts.

Ethnic and Cultural Dynamics in America

  • Overview of repressive Americanization efforts targeting German Americans.

  • Description of how cultural expressions of German heritage were rebranded during the war.

Resistance to War and Conscientious Objectors

  • Discussion of the complexities around citizenship linking to military service; impacts on conscientious objectors during the war.

Long-Term Consequences and the Red Scare

  • Post-war societal tensions leading to the Red Scare as America confronted returning soldiers and political unrest.

  • The legacy of the war’s divisiveness continued to influence American culture and politics well into the future.

Reflection and Questions

  • Open discussion on the implications of the war for American identity and government actions against dissent.