A Fresh Front of House

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Great War America 1914–1919 A Fresh Front of House Whether they stayed at home or traveled overseas to fight, all Americans' lives were drastically altered during the war. Millions of conscripted troops and volunteers were required to pledge total devotion to the armed services, while restrictive regulations suppressed opposition at home. The conflict altered the prewar status quo for African Americans, women, and organized labor in particular. While some White women, like African American men, discovered they could work in occupations traditionally held by White men, others, like White women, began working outside the house for the first time. Beyond the domestic service positions that had previously been their only option, African American women were also permitted to pursue other forms of employment. When the war was over, it was difficult to take away these new choices and liberties. Whether they stayed at home or went abroad to fight, all Americans' lives were drastically changed by the Great War, which lasted from 1914 to 1919. Millions of people gave up their personal liberties to serve their country's armed forces during the turmoil of war, as enthusiastic volunteers and conscripted soldiers alike were forced to swear loyalty. Strict domestic rules, in the meantime, suppressed resistance and dissent, guaranteeing a united front in favor of the war effort. The social environment underwent tremendous changes during this turbulent time, especially for oppressed groups like women, African Americans, and organized labor. The war represented a change from the prewar status quo for African Americans, offering them new prospects for empowerment and progress. Breaking through obstacles of racial discrimination in the workplace, some African American males were able to acquire employment in jobs typically held by white men, a change from prior conventions. In a similar vein, African American women took advantage of the changing nature of work during the war, broadening their perspectives to include options outside of domestic service and pursuing economic independence. In addition, since women of all races entered the labor in never-before-seen numbers, the war acted as a catalyst for change in the area of gender relations. While white women, who had historically been restricted to household duties, entered the workforce and worked outside the home for the first time, African American women underwent a double emancipation, breaking through boundaries of gender and race to seek a variety of job choices. In addition to changing the nature of the labor market, the war upended long-standing social mores, opening the door for women from all walks of life to enjoy greater economic independence and gender equality. However, the issue of whether these newly acquired liberties and possibilities would last in the postwar age emerged as the war came to a conclusion and the threat of violence started to lessen. The seeds of change sowed during the conflict were persistent, with many people unwilling to give up the progress gained towards social equality and economic empowerment despite attempts to return to prewar standards. As a result, the Great War's influence went much beyond the battlefield, permanently altering American culture and bringing hope and opportunity to many who had previously been oppressed and disenfranchised.