WWI - Labor

Workers held many jobs throughout the war. While factories and farms were the primary places of employment on the home front, many citizens filled the jobs of nurses and hospital workers vacated by those at war. Some American propaganda claimed that “it took the best co-operative efforts of from six to twenty workers at home to properly equip and maintain one American soldier at the front.” It was believed that with consistent participation by all classes of people, American industry could win the war. Many companies quickly became competitive as they vied for public acclaim. However, the government and other agencies often interceded to maintain a spirit of cooperation that they felt was needed in order to ensure victory for America.

*WWI. Employment Inquiry. Fay McFadden inquires about working in an airplane factory.

*WWI. Governor Calls for Workers. Governor Charles Whitman's proclamation asking New Yorkers to work for the war effort.

WWI. Carpentry Class. Photographs from a carpentry class in Oswego County.

*WWI. Draft Exemption Letter. An employer asks the state for draft exemptions for employees.

WWI. Man Looks for Work, Nov. 15, 1917. Edwin Fisher asks the State Defense Council where he can work to help the war effort, November 15, 1917.