GOVERNOR ARTHUR CAPPER: A VIEW ON PREPARDNESS, DRAFT POLICY AND AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTIONS DURING WORLD WAR I

Abstract

The United States was officially neutral when World War I occurred in Europe between the Allies and Germany in 1914. Advocates of military preparedness pushed for American entry into the war on the side of the Allies, but it took until April 1917 when the United States declared war against Germany to achieve their goal. Until then, America’s primary contribution consisted of supplying wheat to the Allies, whom were in need of grain. With the passage of the Selective Service Act in May 1917, preparedness advocates also achieved their goal of a military draft and creating an army for service in Europe. Many Americans, including Kansas Governor Arthur Capper, believed in a policy of non-intervention and opposed military preparedness. With the declaration of war, Capper supported American involvement and the Selective Service Act. Capper believed the draft would have a negative effect on Kansas wheat production at a time of increasing anxiety over a world food shortage, due to the conscription of men who were needed on the farm. The designers of the Selective Service System intended for men to be drafted into the army without disrupting agricultural productivity on the homefront. Farmers deemed necessary for food production could apply for an agricultural exemption from the draft. Despite the intent of its designers, the Selective Service System failed to operate to the satisfaction of Capper and Kansas farmers in this regard. Both Capper and Kansas farmers were confused as to why men in the agricultural sector were being drafted during a time of food shortage. Farmers who raised these concerns were often regarded as slackers. This work examines Governor Capper’s views on preparedness, the draft, and the justifications for agricultural exemptions for farmers and farm laborers during 1917.