Word War I

At the outset of conflict of in Europe, America was determined to remain isolated. Their plan was flawed from the beginning, as something that effects Europe will ultimately effect America. We are tied socially, culturally, and economically. By the time we were pulled into conflict, America was ready to change. American society was dramatically altered socially and economically by World War I.

The place of women in America was permanently altered thanks to World War I. Since the early 1800's american women had been fighting for their right to the vote. The women's suffrage movement gained momentum, but World War I proved the tipping point in the struggle for equality. A dependence on women in the workforce to fuel the war effort convinced many anti-suffragists of the legitimacy to the suffragists claims. In 1919 the 19th amendment was passed, and in 1920 it became law. World War I allowed women to step into the workplace like never before, and finally start on the road to becoming political equals with men.

Today we think of Uncle Sam ads and army advertisements as part of every day life, but the propaganda of World War I is nothing compared to what we have today. Something that developed during World War I and, thankfully, has not carried on today is the governments use of massive propaganda. Wilson recognized that in order to go to war, America had to be unified behind the war effort. The Committee on Public Information was created, and headed by George Creel, to build up a backing for the war. The Committee's tactics worked. Through pamphlets, posters, and leaflets George Creel inspired the entire nation to back the war effort. Without the backing of the American people, the outcome of the war may have been very different.

Overall, World War I was a powerhouse of change. It helped industry, women, and strengthened the federal government. World War I allowed for propaganda to be widely used, and gave Americans a banner to rally under. Without World War I, American landscape would be terribly different than it is today.