<P> The war came in the midst of the Progressive Era, when efficiency and expertise were highly valued . Therefore, the federal government set up a multitude of temporary agencies with 500,000 to 1,000,000 new employees to bring together the expertise necessary to redirect the economy into the production of munitions and food necessary for the war, as well as for propaganda purposes . </P> <P> The United States Food Administration under Herbert Hoover launched a massive campaign to teach Americans to economize on their food budgets and grow victory gardens in their backyards, where crops were grown for US soldiers . It managed the nation's food distribution and prices . </P> <P> Crucial to US participation was the sweeping domestic propaganda campaign executed by the Committee on Public Information, overseen by George Creel . The campaign consisted of tens of thousands of government - selected community leaders giving brief carefully scripted pro-war speeches at thousands of public gatherings . Along with other branches of government and private vigilante groups like the American Protective League, it also included the general repression and harassment of people either opposed to American entry into the war or of German heritage . Rumors about a German - induced attempt to start uprising among Black Americans caused a wave of lynchings to occur in the Southern United States . Other forms of propaganda included newsreels, photos, large - print posters (designed by several well - known illustrators of the day, including Louis D. Fancher and Henry Reuterdahl), magazine and newspaper articles, and billboards . </P> <P> The nation placed a great importance on the role of children, teaching them patriotism and national service and asking them to encourage war support and educate the public about the importance of the war . The Boy Scouts of America helped distribute war pamphlets, helped sell war bonds, and helped to drive nationalism and support for the war . </P>

What actions did regular citizens take to help the american war effort