America's Entry into the War

Although World War I began in Europe in 1914, the U.S. pursued a policy of neutrality until 1917.

By 1916, American neutrality was giving way to self-interest and nationalism, with peace efforts failing as fear of Germany grew.

The U.S. mobilized its home front in WWI, resulting in bureaucratic confusion but also expansion of the wartime economy and women in the workforce.

War propaganda campaigns by the Creel Committee and Hollywood influenced American views on World War I.

Congress used the Espionage and Sedition Acts to stamp out war opposition by curbing civil liberties.