World War I: Home Front Notes

GOVERNMENT POWER

  • Expansion of Power: The US Federal Government significantly increased its power during World War I, reflecting a common trend in wartime governance.

  • War Expenses: By 1918, $32 billion was appropriated for war expenses, a dramatic increase considering the federal budget was typically below $1 billion before 1915.

  • Financing the War:

    • Liberty Bonds: The government raised approximately $23 billion through the sale of Liberty Bonds, which were loans from the public.

    • New Taxes: Additional funds were garnered through new taxes, including the graduated income tax from the 16th Amendment, also raising about $23 billion.

  • Control of Industries: The government took control of critical communication and transportation industries (telephone, telegraph, rail) to support the war effort, leading to the creation of a large bureaucratic system to manage these areas.

  • War Industry Board (WIB): Formed in July 1917 to oversee industrial and agricultural production, and ensure military supply for the US and its Allies.

  • National War Labor Board: Established in April 1918 to mediate labor disputes, promoting an 8-hour workday in exchange for a commitment from workers to avoid strikes.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

  • Espionage & Sedition Acts: To suppress opposition to the war, Congress enacted the Espionage Act (1917) and the Sedition Act (1918) that curtailed civil liberties.

    • Espionage Act: Made it illegal to use the U.S. mail to obstruct the war effort, including draft resistance.

    • Sedition Act: Prohibited expressions against government war efforts, military, or Constitution, leading to the arrest of over 1,500 people in 1918 for dissent.

  • Schenck v. United States (1919):

    • Case Background: Charles Schenck, a socialist, was arrested for distributing leaflets against the draft, claiming it violated the 13th Amendment.

    • Supreme Court Ruling: Justice Holmes ruled that free speech is not absolute, and can be limited if it poses a "clear and present danger" to national security.

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFORMATION (CPI)

  • Formation: Established by President Wilson on April 14, 1917, to promote war efforts and manage public perception.

  • Propaganda:

    • Under George Creel, the CPI distributed over 75 million publications, creating a highly controlled narrative about the war and portraying Germans negatively.

    • Propaganda efforts resulted in significant public sentiment shifts, leading to hostility against all things German.

THE FIRST RED SCARE

  • Rise in Paranoia: Triggered by the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, causing fears of communist infiltration in America.

  • Radical Suppression: Radical labor groups, such as the International Workers of the World (IWW), faced intense scrutiny and suppression, with leaders arrested.

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI was created to combat perceived radical threats, with J. Edgar Hoover as a prominent figure.

PALMER RAIDS

  • Wave of Violence: In April 1919, bombings across cities heightened fears of radicalism, prompting A. Mitchell Palmer to lead raids against suspected radicals.

  • Civil Liberties Abrogated: The Palmer Raids saw thousands arrested without warrants, which spurred public outrage but few actual findings of arms or bombs.

A NEW LABOR FORCE

  • Labor Shortage: Decreased immigration during the war led to a labor shortage, prompting new groups like women and Black Americans to fill roles in factories.

  • Great Migration: Over 500,000 African Americans migrated North for jobs during wartime, propelled by promises of better opportunities in urban centers.

  • Impact on Women: While women's participation in the workforce expanded in factories, post-war shifts reverted many to traditional roles.

RED SUMMER

  • Post-War Tensions: Following the war, expectations for increased civil rights among Black Americans were met with increased violence and discrimination, termed the Red Summer.

  • Race Riots: A series of race riots erupted in 1919 as returning soldiers faced violence, particularly in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

  • Lyhching Incidence: Reported lynchings increased dramatically, highlighting the racial tensions still prevalent in American society.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Freedom of Speech: Strict government measures against dissent highlighted the fragility of civil liberties during wartime.

  • Migration for Labor: The demand for labor during WWII saw significant internal migration as individuals sought economic opportunities.

  • African Americans and the North: The Great Migration led to increased populations of Black Americans in northern cities, seeking a reprieve from Southern oppression but still facing discrimination.