America Enters the War

Imminent German Victory and U.S. War Entry

By fall of 1916 and spring of 1917, President Wilson feared an imminent German victory would disturb Europe's power balance.
The Zimmermann Telegram and unrestricted submarine warfare stirred U.S. public sentiment against Germany.
Congress declared war on Germany on April 4, 1917.
The U.S. entered WWI with a small, untrained military, struggling to mobilize effectively.

Traditionally, the U.S. did not maintain a large standing military or reserves during peacetime.
Unlike Europe, the U.S. relied primarily on volunteer soldiers for military recruitment.
Patriotic sentiments encouraged many young men to volunteer for service and train independently before the war.
Labor leader Samuel Gompers advocated against conscription, promoting volunteerism among organized labor.

Despite apprehension about public resistance, Congress initiated a draft with the Selective Service Act on May 18, 1917.
This act moved away from the unpopular systems of the past (like bonuses) and faced little objection nationally.
Initially, registration for the draft was required for men ages 21-30.
Physical fitness was the main criterion for evaluation.

The Army Medical Department assessed the general health of young men; over 1.5 million physical defects were recorded in 2.5 million men examined.
34% of enrollees were rejected due to physical or mental health issues.
Cognitive test results showed recruits had a mental equivalent of a thirteen-year-old, indicating educational gaps and test design flaws.
Previous immigrants of the Civil War were sometimes segregated due to racial tensions, affecting mixed race units.

Black leaders like W. E. B. Du Bois supported the war effort, viewing military service as a path to citizenship.
Despite this, Black troops were primarily relegated to non-combat roles due to segregation.
Service conditions in Europe were transformative, leading some Black soldiers to challenge racial prejudices.

To maintain soldiers' morale, various organizations implemented programs to steer soldiers away from undesirable behaviors.
Programs included recreational facilities, educational tours, and services aimed at supporting soldiers' welfare.

Women joined both military and civilian organizations during the war, marking a significant transition in gender roles.
The military formally allowed women to take on roles (like clerical work and nursing) previously barred.
Women comprised a significant portion of volunteer efforts domestically, rolling bandages, preparing meals, and organizing community support.

Jim Crow laws barred Black women from serving in medical military roles; some joined foreign military forces seeking better treatment.
In civilian organizations, Black female volunteers faced discrimination and barriers to full participation, leading to the creation of auxiliary units to support Black troops.
Despite obstacles, Black women played crucial roles in supporting both military and home front efforts.