War Production Board

Definition

The War Production Board (WPB) was a United States government agency created during World War II to coordinate the production of war materials and supplies. The WPB was instrumental in converting peacetime industries to wartime production, ensuring that resources were allocated efficiently to meet military needs while also managing labor and industrial output.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Established in January 1942, the War Production Board helped to oversee the massive conversion of American industry from consumer goods to war materials.
2. The WPB utilized production priorities and allocated raw materials to ensure that factories produced items essential for the war effort, such as aircraft, tanks, and munitions.
3. The board played a crucial role in increasing industrial output, leading to a significant reduction in unemployment as millions found jobs in war industries.
4. Through its authority, the WPB regulated labor relations and ensured that industries met production quotas necessary for wartime efficiency.
5. The efforts of the WPB contributed to the United States becoming the 'arsenal of democracy', supplying not only its military but also those of its Allies.

Review Questions

• How did the War Production Board influence the transition of American industries from peacetime to wartime production?
  • The War Production Board facilitated the transition by converting peacetime industries into manufacturers of war materials. It did this by prioritizing production needs and reallocating resources effectively, allowing factories to switch their output from consumer goods to essential military supplies. This not only enhanced the efficiency of industrial production but also helped stabilize the economy by creating millions of jobs in wartime sectors.
• In what ways did the War Production Board impact labor relations during World War II?
  • The War Production Board impacted labor relations by regulating workforce management and ensuring that factories adhered to production quotas necessary for the war effort. It worked with labor unions to avoid strikes that could disrupt production and negotiated agreements that balanced workers' rights with urgent wartime demands. This collaboration was crucial in maintaining high levels of productivity while also addressing labor concerns during a time of significant economic change.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the War Production Board on American economic policy after World War II.
  • The long-term effects of the War Production Board on American economic policy were significant, as it set a precedent for government involvement in industrial production and resource allocation during emergencies. The success of the WPB in mobilizing industry for war demonstrated the potential for coordinated government action in economic matters, influencing future policies related to national security and emergency preparedness. The practices established by the WPB also laid groundwork for post-war economic expansion, as many industries maintained their wartime capabilities and transitioned back to consumer markets.

Related terms

Selective Service Act: A law passed in 1940 that authorized the federal government to draft citizens into military service, significantly impacting workforce demographics during WWII.

Office of Price Administration:

An agency responsible for controlling inflation during WWII by regulating prices and rationing essential goods to ensure equitable distribution.

Lend-Lease Act: A program through which the U.S. supplied Allied nations with war material while retaining the ability to receive payment later, enhancing global supply chains.