The war began during the Progressive Era, a time where efficiency was key. Because of this, the states and federal government came together in order to make their power stronger in every aspect.There were many temporary agencies that brought the economy and society to maximum production in order to produce supplies such as weapons and food, and ideas and beliefs in order to motivate the people. Government propaganda, the military draft, munitions, media, and the general populace of America caused WWI to be so influential. 

Since during WWI the United States Army was a fraction of the size of several European armies, Selective Service was very helpful in making us stronger. Of course, there were young men that feared going to war and tried to avoid the draft at all costs. These men were called conscientious objectors, as they refused to perform military service. However, they were surrounded by government propaganda, constantly being encouraged to go to war and putting down the Germans. The media always tried to shape the public to see a certain way. 

Since the U.S. became so involved in the war, discrimination was highly focused upon German Americans, as they were forced to prove their loyalty to America. Many things that were from Germany were called different things in America. People stopped playing German music and teaching the language. 

Because of the Progressive Era’s constant efficiency, munitions and food were being made very well and very fast for our army. As this continued, our economy was boosted very much so. Along with that, since several of our men were fighting overseas, the women of America were working for peace and their rights. Even African and Mexican Americans decided to move North in order to find new opportunities and better lives. 

(Roberts, Levy, Lapsansky-Werner, Taylor, "US American History: Reconstruction to the Present," 2008)