War Industries Board

Definition

The War Industries Board (WIB) was a U.S. government agency established in 1917 during World War I to coordinate the production of war materials and supplies. It aimed to ensure that the military had all the necessary resources, promoting efficiency in factories and prioritizing orders for war-related goods over civilian needs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WIB was led by Bernard Baruch, a businessman who implemented strategies to manage industrial production efficiently for the war effort.
2. One key function of the WIB was to allocate raw materials, ensuring that critical resources were directed toward industries producing war goods.
3. The WIB played a crucial role in boosting the U.S. economy during the war, leading to increased factory output and job creation as industries shifted to meet military demands.
4. The agency also worked to standardize production processes, which helped streamline manufacturing and reduce waste in war-related industries.
5. Although the WIB was disbanded after the war ended in 1919, its practices influenced future government involvement in economic regulation.

Review Questions

• How did the War Industries Board impact the U.S. economy during World War I?
  • The War Industries Board significantly impacted the U.S. economy by coordinating industrial production for the war effort, which led to an increase in factory output and job creation. Under the leadership of Bernard Baruch, the WIB implemented strategies that allocated resources and streamlined manufacturing processes. This not only ensured that military needs were met but also stimulated economic growth, as many industries transitioned to producing war materials.
• Discuss how the priorities set by the War Industries Board affected civilian life during World War I.
  • The priorities established by the War Industries Board had a substantial impact on civilian life, as production shifted from consumer goods to military supplies. This resulted in shortages of everyday items, as factories focused on fulfilling contracts for war materials instead of producing products for civilian consumption. Citizens faced rationing and limitations on available goods, emphasizing the sacrifices made on the home front to support the war effort.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the War Industries Board's strategies on government economic policies after World War I.
  • The strategies employed by the War Industries Board during World War I led to significant long-term effects on government economic policies. The WIB's experience highlighted the importance of government involvement in regulating industrial production during times of crisis. After the war, these practices influenced future policies aimed at managing economic challenges, such as during the Great Depression, as well as shaping how government agencies approached coordination between private industry and national interests.

Related terms

Victory Gardens: Private gardens planted by citizens to produce food for themselves and reduce pressure on the public food supply during World War I.

Liberty Bonds: Debt securities issued by the U.S. government to finance military operations during World War I, encouraging citizens to support the war effort financially.

National War Labor Board: A federal agency established in 1918 to mediate labor disputes and ensure that labor unrest did not hinder the production of war materials.