The Homefront

Fighting at home

Production took center stage as America began building is military forces in earnest in April, 1917 and poster campaigns urged workers to recognize their work's importance to the war effort.

More than a slogan, "Together we win" expressed the importance of every American worker doing their best to quickly and efficiently make the supplies needed by American soldiers and sailors.

1860.jpg

"On the job for victory -- United States Shipping Board -- Emergency Fleet Corporation"

Jonas Lie, 1918

138.jpg

"America's Food Pledge - 20 Million Tons"

United States Food Administration, 1917

Food will win the war

With famine gripping much of Europe, America provided vast amounts of food not only for the troops overseas, but also for starving civilians in war-ravaged areas. 

War gardens sprouted across the country as poster campaigns encouraged Americans to use food efficiently, eat less of scarce foods like wheat and meat, and reserve vital resources for the troops heading overseas.

58.jpg

"This is Your War-- Help Win It!"

Frank Godwin, 1917

Fighting with dollars

The government financed the war by borrowing from the newly formed Federal Reserve System, passing new legislation to increase tax revenue, and issuing War Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds.

Considered the patriotic norm, buying a bond to support the Liberty Loans program raised more than $5 billion from the American people, the equivalent of roughly $85 billion in 2020.