Liberty Loan for Home and Country

Enticing taxpayers to pay for a vast war was a challenge. On April 24, 1917, the Congressional Emergency Loan Act authorized what would become the First Liberty Loan. Through the issuing of Liberty Bonds, citizens were asked to lend money as a show of their patriotism. The First Loan's lackluster reception prompted all subsequent bond offerings to be accompanied by a mass marketing campaign. The Second, Third and Fourth Liberty Loan drives were rolled out during 1917 and 1918. The Victory (Fifth Liberty) Loan was launched in 1919 after the conclusion of fighting. Presentation of flags to a town meant the quota was met. The goal for each was exceeded in Greenwich.

Why was the Liberty Bond program important?

The Liberty Bond Act of 1917 was used to raise $20 billion toward a war effort that cost over $30 billion. Although the majority of bonds were acquired by financial institutions, the program introduced the practice of buying securities to many Americans.

The act also established a debt ceiling in order to reassure people that the government was acting responsibly. To this day Congress must agree to increase the debt ceiling or force the government to shutdown.