Final answer:
The US responded to issues of equality brought forward by WWI due to the imperative to align domestic policies with the democratic ideals it was fighting for abroad, leading to changes in women's suffrage and altering social structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
If WWI brought issues of equality to the fore, the US responded due to the perceived hypocrisy in President Wilson's call for a world safe for democracy while not upholding democratic rights such as women's suffrage at home. The war effort highlighted women's contributions to society, particularly as they took over jobs traditionally held by men, which galvanized the push for suffrage and other reforms. This movement was supported by leaders like Carrie Chapman Catt who argued for women's voting rights as an expression of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.
Moreover, the war induced societal shifts wherein women adopted freer styles of dress, defied traditional gender roles, and started working outside the home. This, coupled with the participation of African Americans in the workforce and military service, challenged pre-existing social structures. After the war, there was an expectation to return to the old social order, but the changes during the war years left an indelible impact on American society, laying groundwork for future advances in civil rights.