World War I, as well as the peace efforts of the time shaped the future of the United States and the world. The United States emerged as both a military and economic leader in a new global climate. Yet despite the fact that the nation had united to fight a war on foreign soil, World War I and its aftermath uncovered deep divisions within American society. U.S. national identity experienced a profound transformation as the nation struggled with its new position in the world, and Americans faced increasingly complex social issues, especially those concerning the place of women, African-Americans and other ethnic groups in U.S. society.

The objective of this website is to provide descriptions and analyses of four topics that affected and were affected by World War I.  The Propaganda section examines the various forms of propaganda used both for and against the war.  The Technology of War section discusses how the advancement of technology overreached military tactics resulting in catastrophic death tolls.  In our segment on race we discuss the experiences of various racial and ethnic groups.  Our section on gender includes an exploration of the war’s impact on traditional gender roles for women and men.  We also examine the use of gender in government propaganda and the role gender played in organizations such as the Women’s Peace Party.

Gender

Technology of War

Propaganda

Race