Answer :
During WWI, the Selective Service Act led to the drafting of millions and significantly impacted American society, including marginalized communities. Women took on new roles, challenging gender norms but still faced restrictions based on gender biases.
The military mobilization during World War I had profound social impacts on the American Homefront. The enactment of the Selective Service Act was pivotal, mandating that all men between the ages of 21 and 30 register for the draft. This act swelled the military with fresh recruits, ultimately involving over four million Americans in the war effort. While essential to building the force required to engage effectively overseas, the mobilization also had significant impacts domestically, especially on marginalized communities.
Effects on Marginalized Communities
Mobilization disrupted traditional labor patterns, creating new opportunities for African Americans who moved North in the Great Migration, seeking industrial jobs. Yet, even as some sectors expanded, marginalized communities, including African Americans and immigrant groups, often faced discrimination and were relegated to lower-paying, less stable positions. These communities also experienced a societal backlash, including heightened racial tensions and xenophobia.
Women during WWI
Women's roles evolved markedly, as they shouldered responsibilities typically held by men. They took on work in factories, served as nurses, and filled clerical roles. This period saw women challenge traditional gender norms, although their opportunities were still constrained due to gender biases persisting at the time. The Women's Peace Party, formed during the war, advocated for peace and helped shape perceptions of women as political actors.
