Race, War and Surveillance

In April 1917, black Americans reacted in various ways to the entry of the United States into World War I in the name of "Democracy." Some gave loud support, many were indifferent, and others voiced outright opposition. All were agreed, however, that the best place to start guaranteeing freedom was at home. Almost immediately, rumours spread across the nation that German agents were engaged in "Negro Subversion" and that African-Americans were potentially disloyal. Despite mounting a constant watch on black civilians, their newspapers, and organisations, the domestic intelligence agents of the federal government failed to detect any black traitors or saboteurs. They did, however, find vigorous demands for equal rights to be granted and for the 30 year-old epidemic of lynching in the South to be eradicated. In Race, War, and Surveillance, Mark Ellis examines the interaction between the deep-seated fears of many white Americans about a possible race war and their profound ignorance about the black population. The result was a "black scare" that lasted well beyond the war years. For African Americans, the war was an intensely trying experience. They were expected to be loyal to a government that perpetuated segregation, seemed unmoved by the appalling race riot at East St. Louis in July 1917, and allowed the army to use black labour virtually as slave labour. The Wilson administration made some attempts to influence black public opinion through key appointments and conferences, but it plainly had no intention of enacting reforms or offering guarantees.