War-time conditions in the United States from Electric railway journal.

Electric railway journal.

War-time conditions in the United States.

Before World War II (1939-1945), World War I (1914-1918) was originally known as The Great War because many countries were involved in the conflict on both sides: The Allied Forces and Central Powers. However, until entering the war in April 1917, the U.S. had remained neutral in the conflict. When the U.S. declared war on Germany, though, Americans not only had to think about fighting overseas, but protecting the homeland. The U.S. was across the Atlantic Ocean from the frontlines, but it was still vulnerable to attack by land if enemy forces crossed the water or by air due to the invention of the airplane and its widespread use in the war. Airplanes made travelling over long distances, like crossing over the ocean, much easier. This picture shows a power station that’s been fenced to prevent people who may be a threat from entering, and a sentry, or a solider placed on guard, is shown keeping watch of the area.