Were M&M’s Made for the Military?
The origins of M&M’s, the iconic candy that has been a staple in many households and snacking routines, is a topic of much fascination and debate. While it is widely believed that M&M’s were created as a military snack, there is some controversy surrounding the accuracy of this claim. In this article, we will delve into the history of M&M’s and explore the truth behind this question.
The Founding of M&M’s
M&M’s were founded in 1941 by Forrest Mars Sr., the son of the founder of the Mars candy company, Frank C. Mars. Forrest Mars Sr. was inspired to create the candy after observing soldiers on the battlefield during the Spanish Civil War eating chocolate pellets with a hard shell to prevent the chocolate from melting. He realized that a similar concept could be applied to create a candy that would not melt or be affected by heat, and thus M&M’s were born.
The Connection to the Military
Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: were M&M’s made for the military? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no." While M&M’s were not specifically designed for the military, the candy did play a significant role in World War II. In the early 1940s, the US military was in need of a reliable and durable snack that could withstand the harsh conditions of the battlefield. M&M’s, with their distinctive hard shell and chocolate center, fit the bill.
Military Contracts and Supplies
In 1942, the US military contracted with the Mars candy company to produce M&M’s specifically for military use. The candy was packaged in metal cans with a special coating to prevent the chocolate from melting and to make them easier to transport. M&M’s were distributed to soldiers throughout the war, and they quickly became a popular snack among military personnel.
Table 1: M&M’s Military Contracts and Supplies
| Year | Quantity of M&M’s Produced | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1942 | 25 million | Military Contracts |
| 1943 | 50 million | Military Supplies |
| 1944 | 75 million | Military Rations |
The Impact on the War Effort
M&M’s played a significant role in the war effort, providing a much-needed morale boost to soldiers on the front lines. The candy’s durability and long shelf life made it an ideal snack for military personnel, and its popularity helped to increase morale and reduce stress among troops.
The Controversy
Despite the evidence suggesting that M&M’s were indeed made for the military, some claim that the candy was created solely for civilian consumption and that the military connection is a myth. Proponents of this theory argue that the candy’s development predates the war, and that the military simply happened to be a large customer for the candy. However, the vast majority of historians and M&M’s enthusiasts agree that the candy was indeed developed with the military in mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while M&M’s were not specifically designed for the military, they did play a significant role in World War II. The candy’s durability, long shelf life, and popularity among soldiers made it an ideal snack for military personnel, and its widespread distribution helped to increase morale and reduce stress among troops. The connection between M&M’s and the military is well-documented and widely accepted, and it is clear that the candy’s origins are rooted in the war effort.
