In the later stages of World War I, it became crucial that the United States enter the war, despite declaring neutrality and the inevitable, overwhelming costs of entering war against major European powers. As tensions between Great Britain and Germany grew higher with the war, both sides began attacking American ships, and seizing US goods. If the United States had not gotten involved on the side of the Allies, trade between Great Britain and the United States would have dwindled significantly, or stopped all together. So, it was imperative that they joined the war effort. Along with America's participation in the war, came a strong economic boom, which occurred during both the final years of the war, and for a several years following it's
…show more content…
During the Great War, there were incredible losses of American population due to battle and disease among the forces. Nearly 350,000 US troops died, and many more were injured, wounded, suffered from diseases, and were prisoners of war (The Great War, PBS). The birth rate in the United States was generally constant leading up to the Great War, at 28.1, but by the mid to late l920's, it had dropped to an average of 23.5. As this downward shift happened entirely in the years during and directly succeeding it, the war must be considered at least a minor cause (Wright). In addition, the immigration rate dropped substantially, since a large portion of the people normally emigrating to the United States were from European countries on the opposing side of the war. This was a major factor in the loss of potential population growth, leading to a loss in economic growth (Wright). Also, with the amount of women joining the workforce, the immediate effect was positive: it expanded the cult of domesticity and allowed for women to be given positions in the work force. But, with so many men gone at war, the demand for more workers was high, and women were pushed into the labor force in unprecedented numbers, resulting in numerous strikes and the cessation of work by
During the Great War, there were incredible losses of American population due to battle and disease among the forces. Nearly 350,000 US troops died, and many more were injured, wounded, suffered from diseases, and were prisoners of war (The Great War, PBS). The birth rate in the United States was generally constant leading up to the Great War, at 28.1, but by the mid to late l920's, it had dropped to an average of 23.5. As this downward shift happened entirely in the years during and directly succeeding it, the war must be considered at least a minor cause (Wright). In addition, the immigration rate dropped substantially, since a large portion of the people normally emigrating to the United States were from European countries on the opposing side of the war. This was a major factor in the loss of potential population growth, leading to a loss in economic growth (Wright). Also, with the amount of women joining the workforce, the immediate effect was positive: it expanded the cult of domesticity and allowed for women to be given positions in the work force. But, with so many men gone at war, the demand for more workers was high, and women were pushed into the labor force in unprecedented numbers, resulting in numerous strikes and the cessation of work by