How World War I Changed America at Home

CrashCourse

In this episode of Crash Course US History, John Green explores the complex relationship between the United States and World War I. Rather than focusing on military tactics or battles, the video examines how the war transformed American society, politics, and its role on the global stage. It details the reasons for America's late entry into the conflict, debunking common myths about the sinking of the Lusitania being the sole cause, and instead points to unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram. The video delves deeply into the domestic impact of the war, highlighting a massive expansion of federal government power through the Selective Service Act and various regulatory boards. A significant portion of the analysis focuses on the tension between national security and civil liberties, discussing the Espionage and Sedition Acts, the Supreme Court case Schenck v. United States, and the suppression of dissent. It also covers the social changes accelerated by the war, including the Great Migration of African Americans and the push for women's suffrage. This resource is highly valuable for high school history classrooms as it moves beyond simple dates and battles to foster critical thinking about the consequences of war. It challenges students to consider the trade-offs between freedom and security, the power of propaganda, and how international conflicts can drive domestic social change. The engaging, fast-paced format makes complex topics like the Treaty of Versailles and Wilson's 14 Points accessible and relevant to modern discussions about American foreign policy.