The United States entered World War I in April 1917, after years of tense relations with Germany. The American public was initially hesitant to enter the war, but the sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger ship, and the Zimmerman Telegram, a secret message from Germany proposing an alliance with Mexico against the United States, turned the tide of public opinion.
Once the United States entered the war, the government quickly mobilized the nation's resources to support the war effort. The War Industries Board was created to coordinate production of war materials, and the Selective Service Act was passed, requiring all men between the ages of 18 and 45 to register for military service.
The war effort had a profound impact on American society. Millions of men were drafted into the military, and women took on new roles in the workforce, replacing men who had gone to war. The war also spurred economic growth, as factories and farms worked overtime to produce food, munitions, and other supplies for the war effort.
The Home Front
Life on the home front was also affected by the war. Food and fuel were rationed, and luxury goods were hard to come by. The government imposed a strict censorship on the press, and anyone who spoke out against the war was punished.
The war also had a profound impact on American culture. The spirit of patriotism was strong, and people from all walks of life came together to support the war effort. Many Americans volunteered for war work, and others donated money or supplies to the cause.
The war's End
The war ended in November 1918, with the armistice between Germany and the Allied Powers. The United States had played a major role in the war, and the victory was celebrated throughout the country. However, the war had taken a heavy toll on American society, both in terms of human lives and economic resources.
The Legacy of World War I
The war had a lasting impact on the United States. It marked the end of the country's isolationist policies and its entry onto the world stage as a major power. The war also led to a number of social changes, including the increased role of women in the workforce and the rise of the labor movement.
The war also had a profound impact on American culture. The war gave rise to a new sense of national identity, and it inspired a number of works of literature, art, and music. The war also left a legacy of trauma and grief that would continue to affect American society for decades to come.