19.3 "The War at Home"

What was the Food Administration?

An agency created by Wilson. Its purpose was to help conserve food and eliminate waste. Had "meatless", "sweetless"(to conserve sugar) and "wheatless" day or days. Also promoted the planting of victory gardens so families could supply some of their own food.

Espionage Act

Espionage Act of 1917 prohibited individuals from expressing or publishing opinions that would interfere with the U.S. military's efforts to defeat Germany and its allies. Could not give false information about the war.

Who was the last to back out of war?

Germany

What was the Committee on Public Information?

U.S. government created it was the nation's first propaganda agency.

How did the U.S. pay for the war?

U.S. paid 35.5 billion for the war. Paid by taxes. About 1/3 by taxes and "sin" taxes(taxes on tobacco and alcohol). Rest paid by war bonds sold to the public. Liberty Loan and Victory Loans.

How did the U.S. economy change during the War?

Wages increased for many Americans but the increase in prices for good just about offset the gain in wages.

"sin" tax

a special tax levied (put on) "sin" items such as tobacco and alcohol to raise extra money for the war.

propaganda

spreading of ideas to help a cause or hurt an opposing cause

Bill of Rights

the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution in which the most fundamental and important rights of U.S. are listed and protected.

What is the significance of Schenck v. United States

this case set the precedent that any rights granted in the constitution are not absolute. You cannot yell fire in a crowded theater. Can punish speech that would create a "clear and present danger."

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes

A famous justice of the Supreme Court during the early 1900's. Called the "Great Dissenter" because he spoke out against the imposition of national regulations and standards, and supported the states' rights to experiment with social legislation.

What is Propaganda?

Advertising to go to war. It is a specific type of message presentation aimed at serving an agenda. At its root, the denotation of propaganda is "to propagate(actively spread) a philosophy or point of view." This is usually a biased view to get the reader (listener) agree with the message being sent.

Which groups where mainly targeted by the Espionage and Sedition Acts?

Immigrants - mainly German and Austrian, The Socialist Party and Labor unions

Why was the Sedition Act so controversial?

It seemed to attack the fundamental rights of U.S. citizens that were guaranteed by the U.S. constitution. Violates the first amendment, the freedom of speech.

Describe the Great Migration. What was the significance?

It was the large scale movement of hundreds of thousands of African-Americans from the south to northern cities like Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. This was done to escape discrimination, like Jim Crow laws that the south had to restrict voting for African-Americans, and for greater job and economic opportunities. It changed the demographics of the cities they left and went to and many began to question their role in this kind of society that segregates its military.

Sedition Act

Sedition Act of 1918, which made it illegal to write or speak anything critical of American involvement in the war. The Sedition Act made the language of the Espionage Act more specific by making it illegal to use disloyal, profane, or abusive language to criticize the U.S. Constitution, the government, the military, the flag, or the uniform.

War industries Board

agency set up by the President (Wilson) to help run the industries of the U.S.

George Creel

head of the Committee on Public Information (CPI). He persuaded many artists to create propaganda (mainly posters) for the U.S. during the war.

Eugene V. Debs

head of the Socialist Party of the United States. Imprisoned for 10 years for his anti-draft speech. He was convicted under the Sedition Act.

Bernard M. Baruch

head of the War Industries Board (WIB). Wealthy businessman, very smart and many connections in the business world.

bonds

investment device used by companies, municipalities, states and sovereign governments to raise money and finance a variety of projects and activities Raising money for the war.