Final answer:
During World War I, the American economy experienced growth through shipping war supplies to Europe. However, workers faced challenges with inflation and strikes for better wages and conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American economy during World War I saw a combination of growth and challenges. While it is true that the U.S. was involved in shipping war supplies to Europe, which boosted the economy, wages actually went up for workers due to increased demand for labor. However, inflation offset most of these gains, resulting in a higher cost of living.
Furthermore, strikes did take place during this time as workers fought for better conditions and wages, but these strikes were often crushed by state and federal agencies. Ultimately, while the overall economy prospered during the war, the benefits were enjoyed more by business owners and corporations rather than the workers themselves.