In Uncle Sam's Service

Main Themes and Topics

In Uncle Sam's Service by Susan Zeiger delves into the role of women during World War I, particularly focusing on the more than sixteen thousand women who served overseas with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). Zeiger's work is rich with exploration of gender issues, analyzing how women's participation in the war effort was a double-edged sword, both challenging and reinforcing traditional gender roles. A significant theme is the contrast between the public perception of wealthy female volunteers ("heiress corps") and the reality that the majority of AEF women were wage-earners driven by diverse motives such as patriotism, economic necessity, and a quest for adventure.

The book investigates the larger implications of women's involvement in wartime service, seeking to understand the impact on gender relations and women's fight for equal citizenship. By drawing on diaries, letters, oral histories, and more, Zeiger paints a detailed picture of how these women navigated the dual expectations of patriotic duty and societal norms. The conflict between women's burgeoning ambitions and the wartime state's inclination to maintain traditional gender boundaries serves as a core discussion point in the narrative.

Writing Style and Tone

Susan Zeiger employs a scholarly yet accessible writing style in In Uncle Sam's Service, effectively balancing academic rigor with engaging storytelling. Her narrative is grounded in thorough research, supported by a wealth of primary sources such as diaries and letters that provide an intimate look into the lives of women who served. Despite the academic subject matter, Zeiger's clear and concise prose makes complex themes understandable to a wide audience, inviting both historians and general readers to explore this pivotal moment in history.

Brief Summary

Set against the backdrop of World War I, In Uncle Sam's Service examines the experiences of American women who served overseas with the American Expeditionary Force. It highlights the diverse group of women who participated, countering the common focus on affluent volunteers by showcasing the largely overlooked contributions of wage-earning women. Through detailed research and analysis, Zeiger presents a narrative that explores the intersection of gender, labor, and politics, revealing the tensions between the aspirations of women and the state's efforts to manage these shifts within the confines of contemporary societal norms.