World War IImpact on the Homefront

Objective: to understand fiveAreas of disagreement over The war effort and U.S. involvement.

Domestic Impacts of WWI DebatesStep 1: One person read the hand out to the group

and discuss how it relates to the question.

Step 2:Read assigned sections in the text and preparenotes that could be used to argue BOTH sides

of the question you are assigned.

Notes should include summary descriptions of listed terms and

points to argue related to prompt (in your own words).

[Group Submits one (1) sheet at the end]

Debate Question #1: See pp. 402-403

Was the military draft during WWI fair?Possibly mention: Selective Service Act, Recruiting Posters, Training,

Women & African-Americans in military

Debate Question #2: See pp. 409-411

Was the government justified in takinggreater control of the economy during WWI?

Possibly mention: Mobilization, War Industries Board, Railroad Administration, Fuel Administration, National War Labor Board, Food Administration, Victory Gardens

Debate Question #3: See pp. 411-412

Were government efforts to “sell” WWI to the American public appropriate?

Possibly mention: War Financing, War Bonds (“Liberty Loans”), CPI, George Creel, “Four Minute Men”

Debate Question #4: See pp. 412-414

Were attacks on civil liberties during WWI reasonable given the situation of the period?

Possibly mention: Anti-German Actions, Espionage & Sedition Acts, Eugene Debs, “Red Scare”

Debate Question #5: See pp. 408, 409, and 421

If the economics of war were the motive for U.S. involvement, could the United States have still

benefited without sending troops?Possibly mention: casualties, Howard Zinn, U.S. industrialization, women and war, Red Cross

ReviewReview

Describe the draft during WWI.What were examples of the gov’t taking

control of the economy?What were examples of the gov’t selling

the war?How were civil liberties restricted?What were economic benefits of sending

troops?

Statistics and FactsStatistics and Facts

For your fact discuss the significance of the information as it relates to WWI, then tell which debate topic it correlates to.

Clearly, on a piece of paper, state the significance of the fact and the topic.

Topics: draft, compromise civil liberties, gov’t in the economy, selling the war, economic benefits