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The Government’S Moral Crusade: America’S Campaign Against Venereal Diseases At Home During World War I, Zachary May

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

During World War I, the American Government with the help of non-profit organizations waged an internal and external campaign against venereal diseases. With the creation of the Committee of Training Camp Activities, the Federal Government identified venereal diseases as a threat to the war effort. Internally, the government restructured the atmosphere of training camps by offering intellectual and athletic activities that stimulate the mind rather than sexual desires. Externally, the government used its prestige and power to eliminate factors that caused venereal diseases, including prostitution and red-light districts. Although the internal and external reforms succeeded in restricting the potentiality of …