Mobilizing the Economy
1. War Industries Board: The government created the War Industries Board(WIB) to coordinate and regulate industries essential to war production. The WIB controlled raw materials, prioritized production, and allocated resources to ensure maximum efficiency.
2. Price Controls: To prevent inflation, the government imposed price controls on many goods and services. This measure helped stabilize the economy and prevented businesses from profiteering during the war.
3. War Finance: The government raised funds through war bonds, which were sold to the public to finance military spending. This allowed the government to avoid excessive taxation and maintained public support.
4. Industrial Conversion: Many factories and industries shifted from producing civilian goods to military equipment and supplies. This conversion helped meet the demands of the war effort and kept factories operational.
Influencing Public Opinion
1. Propaganda: The Committee on Public Information (CPI), also known as the Creel Committee, was established to disseminate war-related propaganda and information. The CPI produced posters, films, and other materials to shape public opinion in favor of the war effort.
2. Media Control: The government censored newspapers, magazines, and other forms of media to prevent the spread of anti-war sentiments. The Espionage Act (1917) and Sedition Act (1918) further restricted freedom of expression.
Silencing Dissent
1. Anti-War Activists: The government cracked down on anti-war activists, labor leaders, and other individuals who opposed the war. Many were arrested and prosecuted under the Espionage and Sedition Acts.
2. Red Scare: The government linked dissent with radicalism and communism, intensifying the Red Scare and increasing public support for the war. This fear of subversion suppressed many voices of opposition.
3. Loyalty Tests: The government conducted loyalty tests and required individuals to demonstrate patriotism and loyalty to the nation, further narrowing the space for dissent and criticism.
These efforts to mobilize the economy, influence public opinion, and silence dissent were aimed at maintaining national unity, securing resources for the war effort, and preventing internal strife during World War I. While some measures were necessary to coordinate the nation's response to the war, they also raised concerns about civil liberties and the suppression of legitimate debate.