How WWI Changed America: Coming Home

Summary

This script reflects on the experiences of World War I soldiers, detailing their harsh transition from war to peace. The soldiers returned home to a changed world, struggling with physical and mental wounds, including the then-misunderstood shell shock. The government failed to provide adequate support, leading to a sense of resentment and disillusionment among returning soldiers. This bitterness contributed to the cultural and social shifts of the Roaring Twenties. The script ultimately asks us to honor those who fought by striving for lasting peace, reflecting on the profound impact the war had on American society and the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soldiers went to war in World War I expecting to be heroes, but the reality was a harrowing and violent experience.
• 😀 The war ended unexpectedly quickly in November 1918 when Germany collapsed, and an armistice was signed.
• 😀 Soldiers returning from the war faced a country that had changed, with fewer opportunities and a lack of reintegration plans.
• 😀 The post-war economy had shifted from a boom to a downturn, and many returning soldiers found their old jobs were taken.
• 😀 Returning soldiers often felt forgotten and angry, especially towards those who profited from war contracting.
• 😀 Many soldiers came home with both physical injuries, like missing limbs, and mental injuries, such as PTSD.
• 😀 PTSD, then known as 'shell shock,' was not understood well, and its psychological effects were often disregarded.
• 😀 There was no robust support system or GI Bill to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life after World War I.
• 😀 The Roaring Twenties were shaped by the disillusionment and cynicism of World War I veterans, with an attitude of 'live for today.'
• 😀 World War I, despite being labeled 'the war to end all wars,' catalyzed major societal changes, including civil rights and women's roles, and is central to understanding the rise of America in the 20th century.

Q & A

How did soldiers view their role before going off to World War I?

Soldiers initially believed they would be heroes, full of optimism and anticipation for glory, but the reality of the war was far different.

What led to the quick end of World War I?

The German army collapsed rapidly, causing the war to end faster than expected. The warring powers agreed to an armistice on November 11th, 1918.

What challenges did returning soldiers face after the war?

Returning soldiers faced difficulties reintegrating into society. Many found their previous jobs taken by others, there was unemployment, and the economy had shifted from an economic boom to a downturn.

Why did some returning soldiers resent those who stayed home during the war?

Many soldiers resented those who had remained at home and profited from war contracts, while they had experienced the horrors of battle, leading to feelings of anger and being forgotten.

What physical and mental injuries did soldiers suffer from in World War I?

Soldiers suffered from physical injuries, such as lost limbs, as well as exposure to chemical weapons. Mentally, many developed conditions like shell shock, which is now recognized as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What was the psychological effect of prolonged exposure to artillery in battle?

Prolonged exposure to artillery bombardment could lead to severe psychological effects, including the condition now known as PTSD, which was sometimes visible in soldiers as the 'thousand-yard stare.'

How were mental health issues viewed during and after the war?

Mental health issues like PTSD were initially misunderstood, and soldiers with psychological wounds were often seen as weak, even though their injuries were deeply hidden within their minds and hearts.

How was the government unprepared for the scale of injuries after the war?

The government and medical officials were not prepared for the massive scale of both physical and mental injuries, and there were no sufficient systems in place to support the soldiers as they reintegrated into civilian life.

What support did soldiers receive after the war?

While soldiers were promised job training and a future bonus, there was no GI Bill or other comprehensive support systems like those that would come after World War II, leaving many soldiers to fend for themselves.

How did the experience of World War I influence American society in the 1920s?

The experience of war led to a sense of cynicism, contributing to the culture of the Roaring Twenties, where people adopted a 'live for today' attitude in response to the trauma and uncertainty caused by the war.