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U.S. support of the war effort

Government Control
Direct control of industry such as railroads. Regulation of food, energy, other resources. Implementation of the draft. Propaganda to boost support of the war.

Selective Service Act

1917, difficulty raising enough troops.

Authorized the U.S. government to

draft soldiers to increase the size of the army.

2.8 million men drafted over the

course of the war. 2 million volunteers

Adult males 18-45 were eligible. Exemptions included health, dependents, working in an essential job.

War Gardens
Using previously unoccupied

land for food production.

Many farmers were fighting,

left unused land and lack of food supplies.

Schools, communities,

women and individual families could provide food for troops.

Pamphlets, instructional

guides, and advertisements abundant.

Liberty Bonds
Bonds or Liberty Loans Fundraising effort for individuals

to support the war.

Bonds would increase in value

over time and be a return on investment in the long term.

Emphasized patriotism and responsibility to America.

Rationing
Government encouraged rationing

of food such as wheat, meat, sugar.

Stores and individuals limited in

the amounts they could buy and sell.

Certain food restricted as it was

needed for the troops.

Anti German Sentiment

German businesses shut

down.
German language not taught

in school.
German Americans required

to show patriotism by buying bonds.

Liberty Cabbage and

Liberty Sandwiches