This chart shows US citizens' participation in wartime activities.
Citizen Participation in Wartime Activities in the US (Millions of Citizens)
Type of participation 1916 1917 1918 1919
Active military 0.18 0.84 2.97 1.27
Total number of employed workers 40.1 41.5 44.0 42.3
What relationship does the chart show between active military and employed workers?
A. The number of active military increased as the number of employed workers decreased.
B. The number of active military and employed workers decreased steadily.
C. The number of active military and employed workers jumped at the same time.
D. The number of active military decreased as the number of employed workers increased.
Answer (2)
The number of active military and employed workers both increased significantly from 1916 to 1918 and then decreased from 1918 to 1919. Therefore, the number of active military and employed workers jumped at the same time.
Calculate changes in active military and employed workers from 1916 to 1919.
Observe that both increased significantly from 1916 to 1918.
Note that both decreased from 1918 to 1919.
Conclude that the number of active military and employed workers jumped at the same time.
T h e n u mb er o f a c t i v e mi l i t a ry an d e m pl oye d w or k ers j u m p e d a t t h e s am e t im e .
Explanation
Understanding the Data The chart provides data on US citizens' participation in wartime activities, specifically the number of active military personnel and the total number of employed workers from 1916 to 1919. The data is given in millions of citizens.
Objective To determine the relationship between the number of active military personnel and the number of employed workers, we need to analyze how both quantities change over the years.
Calculating Changes Let's calculate the changes in active military personnel and employed workers from year to year:
1916 to 1917:
Active military increased by 0.84 − 0.18 = 0.66 million.
Employed workers increased by 41.5 − 40.1 = 1.4 million.
1917 to 1918:
Active military increased by 2.97 − 0.84 = 2.13 million.
Employed workers increased by 44.0 − 41.5 = 2.5 million.
1918 to 1919:
Active military decreased by 1.27 − 2.97 = − 1.70 million.
Employed workers decreased by 42.3 − 44.0 = − 1.7 million.
Evaluating Options Now, let's analyze the given options:
Option 1: The number of active military increased as the number of employed workers decreased.
This is not consistently true. From 1916 to 1918, both increased. From 1918 to 1919, both decreased.
Option 2: The number of active military and employed workers decreased steadily.
This is false. Both increased from 1916 to 1918, and then decreased from 1918 to 1919.
Option 3: The number of active military and employed workers jumped at the same time.
This appears to be the most accurate description. Both increased significantly from 1916 to 1918.
Option 4: The number of active military decreased as the number of employed workers increased.
This is not true. From 1916 to 1918, both increased. From 1918 to 1919, both decreased.
Conclusion Based on the analysis, the number of active military and employed workers jumped at the same time is the most accurate description of the relationship shown in the chart.
Examples
Understanding the relationship between employment and military participation during wartime can help economists and policymakers analyze the impact of war on the labor force. For example, during a war, increased military recruitment might lead to a temporary decrease in the civilian workforce, affecting production and economic output. Analyzing historical data helps in predicting and mitigating such effects in future conflicts.
The chart shows that both active military personnel and employed workers significantly increased from 1916 to 1918 and then decreased from 1918 to 1919. Thus, the appropriate option is that the number of active military and employed workers jumped at the same time. This finding aligns with the data trends observed during these years.
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