Interpret the Evidence
How did the U.S. army portray the lives of the soldiers serving in the war (Document 20.11)? What message do you think the army wanted to send? Do you think this is a balanced look at their experiences? Why or why not?
How does the “Halt the Hun!” cartoon portray the German soldiers (Document 20.12)? How does the cartoon appeal to Americans’ sense of pride? To gender norms?
Why would the CPI target history teachers (Document 20.13)? What did the advertisement encourage teachers to do in their classrooms?
According to the CPI, how would men benefit from war service (Document 20.14)? Who is the audience for this advertisement? What does it suggest were the proper roles for women during wartime?
Why did George Creel oppose a federal censorship law (Document 20.15)? Do you think Creel’s alternative plan left the door open for censorship?
Put It in Context
Do you think the federal government has the responsibility to marshal popular support for war efforts? Why or why not? What are the potential positive and negative effects of such government action?