The American Home Front During World War 1

Americans became afraid of and disdainful towards anything German. Affairs associated with Germans or Germany ceased such as German bands, German courses in schools, and renaming German associated words such as German measles to liberty measles. Many German-Americans felt loyal to America but still had ties to Germany. With intolerance towards all things German, German-Americans became cautious and discreet in their speech and actions. Ambassador James W. Gerard warned, “but now that we are in the war there are only two sides, and the time has come when every citizen must declare himself American – or traitor!”

The American decision to declare war on Germany was influenced by several factors of varying degrees. To a great extent, the aggressive German naval policy contributed to the involvement of the United States in World War I. A secondary influence on this decision derived from U.S. economic interests abroad and on the homefront. Another influence leading to America’s entrance into war was the use of Allied propaganda. Therefore, the combination of German naval policy, American economic interests, and allied propaganda influenced to the American decision

World War 1 proved America to be the nation producing the highest amount of propaganda. Through his use of propaganda President Wilson was able to draw American Support for the war. Despite his being elected as the “peace” president. Many Americans believed he’d keep them out of the war, especially after he stated that, “so far as I can remember, this is a government of the people, and this people is not going to choose war.” Before his election, Wilson promoted American neutrality. He pushed for what he believed his Americans wanted. However, through his employment of propaganda, Woodrow Wilson was able

World War I and World War II was the result of years of strife between nations and catalyzed much of the change during the 20th century. The United States was not immune to any of these changes, particularly those that affected the nation during wartime. Despite the notion of the entire nation gathering under one banner to defeat the Germans in both wars the country was not united; people were interned for the potential threat they may cause in the future and other citizens were not even treated as citizens. World War I and World War II did not unite the nation rather during wartime it caused more divisions among citizens.

When war erupted in Europe in 1914, the US adopted a policy of neutrality and seclusion. This policy was favored by a vast majority of Americans, especially those of German and Irish descent. The people of the United States were drawn from many nations, primarily from the nations at war. The deficiency of public unity was the primary concern when America entered the war on April 6, 1917. The Wilson Administration felt they needed to sway public opinion, because American

The American home front during World War II is recalled warmly in popular memory and cultural myth as a time of unprecedented national unity, years in which Americans stuck together in common cause. World War II brought many new ideas and changes to American life. Even though World War II brought no physical destruction to the United States mainland, it did affect American society. Every aspect of American life was altered by U.S. involvement in the war including demographics, the labor force, economics and cultural trends.

The First World War impacted significantly on the homefronts of the participating nations in many different social, political and economic areas. There was a widespread restructuring of primary industry with a large orientation towards militarism. There was massive political change where new systems of power were introduced that gave governments a range of new powers including the control over industry. The civilian population had severe restrictions placed upon their rights and liberties due to the necessities that total war required.

Whenever war broke out overseas in 1914, many Americans had ties to countries involved. Many of citizens living here were immigrants or children of immigrants who came from Germany, France, or other countries involved in the war. Out of the 92 million citizens living in the states, one-third of them were hyphenated Americans. There was strong support of the Central Powers in the states due to the 8 million German-Americans and the 4 million Irish-Americans who disliked English rule. Yet, many Americans were pro Allies due to the language bond with Great Britain. America wanted to keep to their selves as war broke out in Europe and not get involved. President Woodrow Wilson would announce in 1914 that the Unites States would stay neutral during the war. Wilson would run by the slogan “Keep Us Out of the War” whenever he was running for re-election for presidency. Americas would trade with both parties and bankers could lend money to both sides involved in the war. Trading with Germany would eventually be blockaded and trade with Allies would increase.

Also, if the United States was to enter the war, national production would switch from civilian products to war materials (Economic). In the years leading up to the war, America was already in a state of recession and they did not want to spend millions of dollars on this conflict. The following quote states how much the war affected the economy of the United States. "The total cost of World War I to the United States (was) approximately $32 billion, or 52 percent of gross national product at the time" (Economic). If you were the president of the United States, would you want to put out $32 billion dollars when your country is in recession as it is? Second, another reason the United States stayed out of the war for so long was because of their policy of neutrality. On August 19, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson addressed the congress and informed them of the U.S. policy of neutrality (First). In doing this, President Wilson was saying that the United States would stay neutral during the war and not intervene. During the president’s address to congress, he states, “Every man who really loves America will act and speak in the true spirit of neutrality” (First). By saying this, the president is saying that the policy of neutrality is the absolute best choice for the United States in this situation, and any citizens that did not believe in this did not truly care for the country or its people.

World War I significantly influenced the modern world in which all humanity subsists. The United States of America was altered internally and externally by the Great War. Shadowing World War I America was distinguished as a supreme nation holding great power; subsequently the nation would be redefined politically, economically, and socially.

Americans became afraid of and disdainful towards anything German. Affairs associated with Germans or Germany ceased such as German bands, German courses in schools, and renaming German associated words such as German Measles to Liberty Measles. Many German-Americans felt loyal to America but still had ties to Germany. Ambassador James W. Gerard warned, “but now that we are in the war there are only two sides, and the time has come when every citizen must declare himself American – or traitor!” Intolerance towards all things German made German-Americans cautious and discreet in their speech and actions.

During World War II propaganda was ubiquitous. It consisted of a wide range of carriers including leaflets, radio, television, and most importantly posters. Posters were used based on their appeal: they were colorful, creative, concise, and mentally stimulating. Posters often portrayed the artist's views on the war. They demonstrated the artist concern for the war, their hopes for the war, and reflected the way enemies were envisioned. Posters also show a nations political status: they reflect a nations allies and enemies, how the nation saw itself, and its greatest hopes and fears of the war.

Imagery uses color as well that is eye catching to anybody. For instance, in a poster with a large British solider, this shows that they are powerful and should be looked up to. Below the solider are hardworking citizens which do work and this helps aid to the solider to grow. Additionally, there is another poster that states "Woman of Britain" and has a picture of a factory worker standing right under war planes. It is stating that they have the power to aid with the war by working. Overall, imagery is a necessary part of posters and propaganda to persuade an audience.

During World War II, propaganda was used for a number of reasons, it not only showed how anyond could be of use to the war efforts, but it also showed that every person could contribute as well. These posters empowered everyone to stand behind their nation's Army, and to continue contributing to the war efforts. The posters showed that everyone is needed, that anyone could make a difference, and some even emphasized certain values to those who are already helping with the war effort.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Europe was enjoying and embracing the good life of living in peace and prosperity, but behind those sheets of peace and prosperity, many groups and organizations were at work that would eventually lead Europe into war ripping out those sheet of peace and prosperity, exposing the ugliness and horrors of war. The United States wanted to avoid getting involved in World War 1 due to the fat that they believed that the Europeans were unworthy of their support by avoiding all of their political treaties with Europe that would affect their neutrality. Unfortunately the U.S got involved in World War 1 in 1917 and its course of history was impacted domestically.