Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - Selective Service Act (1917): Instituted a draft, requiring men between the ages of 18 and 45 to register for military service. Registration began on June 5, 1917, and by the end of the year, over 24 million men had registered.
- National Guard and Regular Army: The existing National Guard units and Regular Army were mobilized, and new divisions were created. The National Guard, composed of state-based militias, was federalized and integrated into the U.S. Army.
- Expansion of the Navy: The U.S. Navy was significantly expanded, with the construction of new ships and the recruitment and training of personnel. The construction of the "Emergency Fleet" aimed to increase the number of merchant vessels available for transporting troops and supplies.
Industrial Mobilization
- War Industries Board (WIB): Created in July 1917 to coordinate the production and distribution of war materials. WIB worked to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure that essential goods were available for the military and the civilian population.
- Conversion of Industries: Many civilian industries converted their production lines to manufacture war-related goods. Automobile companies produced trucks and airplanes, while steel mills produced armor and weapons.
- Shipyards: Shipyards operated 24/7 to build transport ships and warships, crucial for transporting troops and supplies across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Food Production: Farmers increased food production to meet the needs of the growing military and civilian populations, as well as food supplies for Allied countries.
Financial Mobilization
- War Bonds and Liberty Loans: The U.S. government sold war bonds and Liberty Loans to raise money for the war effort. These bonds were purchased by individuals, corporations, and banks.
- Increased Taxes: Income and corporate taxes were increased to generate additional revenue for the government.
- Federal Reserve System: The Federal Reserve System, established in 1913, played a key role in stabilizing the financial system and managing the war economy.
Propaganda and Public Support
- Committee on Public Information (CPI): Formed in April 1917 to shape public opinion and promote support for the war effort. The CPI used various media, including posters, films, and advertisements, to convey patriotic messages and encourage citizens to contribute to the war effort.
Overall, the United States went through a tremendous mobilization effort to prepare for World War I, which involved military expansion, industrial conversion, financial measures, and public support.