key term - Selective Service Act of 1917

Definition

The Selective Service Act of 1917 was a United States federal law that authorized the government to draft citizens into military service during World War I. This act was significant as it aimed to quickly build up the American military forces to meet the demands of the war and included provisions for registering men aged 21 to 30 for potential conscription. Its implementation had a major impact on the social fabric of the nation, influencing demographics, labor, and Georgia's contributions to the war effort.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Selective Service Act was passed on May 18, 1917, in response to the United States' need for a large fighting force after entering World War I.
2. Over 10 million men registered under the Selective Service Act, with approximately 2.8 million ultimately drafted into military service.
3. The act highlighted regional disparities, with many men from rural areas, like Georgia, being drafted due to population concentrations in urban settings.
4. The implementation of this act led to changes in workforce dynamics as many drafted men left jobs, creating labor shortages in various industries.
5. In Georgia, training camps such as Camp Gordon were established to prepare draftees for service, greatly impacting local economies and communities.

Review Questions

• How did the Selective Service Act of 1917 affect demographic shifts in Georgia during World War I?
  • The Selective Service Act of 1917 resulted in significant demographic shifts in Georgia as many young men were drafted into military service. The act prompted local communities to face a sudden loss of workforce, particularly in agriculture and industry. This created challenges for remaining workers and altered the social dynamics within towns and cities as families adjusted to the absence of their male members who were serving overseas.
• Evaluate the economic impact of the Selective Service Act on local industries in Georgia during the war.
  • The economic impact of the Selective Service Act on local industries in Georgia was profound, leading to labor shortages when many men left their jobs for military service. This created challenges for businesses that relied on these workers, especially in agriculture and manufacturing. In response, some industries began hiring women and minorities to fill these gaps, marking a shift in workforce demographics and contributing to evolving social roles within the state.
• Analyze how the Selective Service Act of 1917 influenced public opinion and attitudes toward military service and patriotism in Georgia.
  • The Selective Service Act of 1917 significantly influenced public opinion and attitudes toward military service and patriotism in Georgia by framing conscription as a civic duty necessary for national defense. The act fostered a sense of urgency and commitment among Georgians, leading to community rallies and support for the war effort. It also highlighted divisions within society regarding who should serve, sparking discussions about fairness and sacrifice that resonated throughout the state as families faced the realities of wartime service.

Related terms

Conscription: The mandatory enlistment of individuals into military service, commonly referred to as the draft.

War Industries Board: A U.S. government agency established in 1917 to coordinate the production of war materials and supplies during World War I.

Liberty Bonds: Debt securities issued by the U.S. government to finance military operations during World War I, encouraging citizens to lend money to support the war effort.