Final answer:
The effects of WWI on American society included emotional distress among returning soldiers, divisions over international policies, and changes in labor roles challenging gender and racial norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States' involvement in World War I between 1917 and 1918 had profound effects on American society. The emotional distress and physical injuries suffered by returning soldiers imposed a significant burden on communities. The debate over the League of Nations and worries concerning immigrants with relatives in war-torn regions fueled societal divisions.
The American home front experienced drastic changes. The Selective Service Act drafted thousands into military service affecting labor dynamics. Women and African Americans took on roles previously preserved for white men, challenging traditional gender roles and racial barriers in the workforce. However, these changes were largely temporary, with an expected return to pre-war social norms post-conflict. Furthermore, the influenza pandemic added another layer of tragedy, claiming millions of lives.
While the war created opportunities for advancement for women and minorities, it also led to heightened rational tensions, anticommunist hysteria, and economic uncertainty. The conclusion of the war did not bring about an immediate transition to peace and prosperity, but rather ushered in a tumultuous period marked by fear and disorder in America.