How Did America Mobilize for War?
When the United States declared war on Germany in 1917, the country was ill-prepared to engage in a global conflict. The American military was small, with only 138,000 regular army personnel, and the government had to quickly mobilize resources, industries, and manpower to support the war effort. In this article, we will explore the steps taken by the United States to mobilize for war during World War I.
The Pre-War Era
In the years leading up to the United States’ entry into World War I, the country was largely isolationist. The military was small and understaffed, with many officers serving in a peacetime role rather than preparing for war. The government had also reduced its military spending, and many industrial resources were focused on producing consumer goods rather than war materials.
Initial Steps towards Mobilization
In the months leading up to the United States’ declaration of war, President Woodrow Wilson and his administration took several steps to begin mobilizing the country. These included:
• Calling up the National Guard: On April 13, 1917, President Wilson called up the National Guard, which was composed of part-time militia units. This brought the total number of military personnel to around 200,000.
• Raising the Regular Army: On May 18, 1917, the Army Appropriation Act increased the size of the regular army to 500,000 personnel.
• Establishing the War Department: On June 2, 1917, the War Department was reorganized to better coordinate military efforts. The department was led by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker and was responsible for overseeing military mobilization and logistics.
• Creating the Army Council: The Army Council was established to oversee military strategy and planning. The council was composed of top military leaders, including General John J. Pershing, who would eventually become the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in France.
Industrial Mobilization
Industrial mobilization was a critical component of America’s war effort. The country had to quickly produce large quantities of war materials, including ammunition, tanks, and aircraft. To achieve this, the government took several steps, including:
• War Industries Board: The War Industries Board was established to coordinate industrial production and supply chain management. The board was led by Bernard Baruch, a wealthy financier and industrialist, who had experience in managing complex industrial operations.
• Industrial Mobilization: The government mobilized industries, including steel, oil, and textiles, to produce war materials. This required the creation of new industries and the conversion of existing ones to produce war-related products.
• Federal Regulation: The government introduced regulations to ensure fair trade practices and prevent price-gouging. This included the creation of the War Trade Board, which oversaw the export of goods and materials.
Recruitment and Training
To meet the growing demand for military personnel, the government took several steps to recruit and train soldiers. These included:
• Recruitment Campaigns: Recruitment campaigns were launched to persuade Americans to join the military. These campaigns emphasized the importance of service and the patriotism of joining the fight against Germany.
• Recruitment of African-Americans: African-Americans were recruited into the military, but faced significant discrimination and racial tension. Despite these challenges, many African-Americans proudly served in the military during World War I.
• Training: Training programs were established to prepare soldiers for combat. This included basic training, officer candidate school, and specialized training in areas such as tank operation and aviation.
Transportation and Logistics
To support the war effort, the government had to rapidly expand its transportation network and logistics capabilities. This included:
• Port Expansion: The government invested in expanding ports and waterways to facilitate the importation of war materials and supplies.
• Railway Expansion: The government took control of the railroad industry to ensure efficient transportation of troops and supplies.
• Motor Transport: The government invested in developing the motor transport industry, which played a critical role in moving troops and supplies across the country.
Financial Mobilization
Financial mobilization was critical to support the war effort. The government took several steps to raise funds, including:
• War Revenue Act: The War Revenue Act of 1917 increased taxes and introduced new revenue streams, including an excise tax on spirits and a tax on foreign corporations.
• Federal Reserve: The Federal Reserve was authorized to print currency and issue bonds to raise funds for the war effort.
• Borrowing: The government borrowed money from foreign governments, banks, and investors to support the war effort.
Conclusion
The mobilization of America for World War I was a remarkable achievement, given the country’s initial lack of preparation. Through a combination of military, industrial, and financial mobilization, the United States was able to contribute significantly to the Allied victory. The war also led to significant changes in American society, including increased federal government involvement in industrial and economic affairs, the expansion of the military-industrial complex, and a shift towards a more activist foreign policy.
Timeline of American Mobilization
- April 13, 1917: President Wilson calls up the National Guard
- May 18, 1917: The Army Appropriation Act increases the size of the regular army to 500,000 personnel
- June 2, 1917: The War Department is reorganized to better coordinate military efforts
- July 1917: The War Industries Board is established to coordinate industrial production and supply chain management
- August 1917: Recruitment campaigns are launched to persuade Americans to join the military
- September 1917: The Federal Reserve is authorized to print currency and issue bonds to raise funds for the war effort
Key Statistics
- Number of military personnel mobilized: 4,734,991
- Total cost of the war effort: $33.5 billion
- Production of war materials: 75,000 tanks, 15,000 aircraft, 10,000 ships
- Number of women employed in war-related industries: 1,500,000
I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of how America mobilized for war during World War I. If you have any further questions or would like to request additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
