What is War Production Board?
The War Production Board (WPB) was a federal agency created in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to oversee the production of war-related materials and supplies during World War II. The WPB played a crucial role in the war effort by coordinating the efforts of industry, labor, and government to produce the necessary war materials, allocate resources, and prioritize production.
History of War Production Board
The WPB was established on January 16, 1942, by Executive Order 9066, following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II. The agency was responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling the production of war-related materials, including ammunition, aircraft, ships, tanks, and other equipment. The WPB also had the authority to regulate the production of civilian goods, such as automobiles, and to ration materials and supplies.
Organization and Responsibilities
The WPB was headed by a Chairman, who was responsible for directing the agency’s activities and making recommendations to the President and Congress. The WPB was divided into several divisions, each responsible for a specific area of war production. These divisions included:
• Aircraft Division: Responsible for producing aircraft and related parts, such as engines and propellers.
• Ships and Shipbuilding Division: Responsible for building and repairing ships, including warships, cargo ships, and naval vessels.
• Tank and Ordnance Division: Responsible for producing tanks, artillery, and other ordnance.
• Steel Division: Responsible for allocating steel production to meet the demands of war production.
• Transportation Division: Responsible for coordinating the movement of troops, supplies, and equipment.
Goals and Objectives
The WPB’s primary goals were to:
• Maximize War Production: The WPB aimed to increase war production to meet the demands of the military and to keep pace with the expanding war effort.
• Optimize Resource Allocation: The agency sought to optimize the allocation of resources, such as steel, aluminum, and rubber, to meet the needs of war production.
• Improve Efficiency: The WPB aimed to improve efficiency by streamlining production processes, reducing waste, and promoting cooperation between industry and labor.
Key Accomplishments
The WPB achieved several significant accomplishments during its tenure, including:
• Rationing of Materials: The agency implemented a system of rationing for materials such as steel, aluminum, and rubber, which helped to ensure that the most critical war-related production needs were met.
• Standardization: The WPB introduced standardized designs and production processes, which improved the quality and efficiency of war production.
• Employee Mobilization: The agency encouraged employees to volunteer for war-related work, leading to a significant increase in war production.
• Production Records: The WPB kept detailed records of production, which helped to identify areas for improvement and ensured that the war effort was meeting its production targets.
Table: WPB’s Key Accomplishments
| Accomplishment | Description |
|---|---|
| Rationing of Materials | Implemented system of rationing for materials such as steel, aluminum, and rubber |
| Standardization | Introduced standardized designs and production processes |
| Employee Mobilization | Encouraged employees to volunteer for war-related work |
| Production Records | Kept detailed records of production to track progress and identify areas for improvement |
Impact on the War Effort
The WPB’s efforts had a significant impact on the war effort, enabling the United States to increase its production of war-related materials and supplies. Some notable achievements include:
• Aircraft Production: The WPB’s Aircraft Division increased aircraft production by 40% in 1943, meeting the military’s demand for warplanes.
• Ships and Shipbuilding: The agency’s Ships and Shipbuilding Division increased ship production by 25% in 1944, helping to meet the needs of the military and Allied navies.
• Tanks and Ordnance: The WPB’s Tank and Ordnance Division increased production of tanks and ordnance by 50% in 1945, meeting the military’s demand for artillery and armor.
Legacy
The War Production Board’s legacy extends beyond the war itself. The agency’s achievements in mobilizing industry, labor, and government resources laid the foundation for the post-war period, during which the United States experienced unprecedented economic growth and industrial development. The WPB’s success also set a precedent for future war mobilization efforts, serving as a model for similar agencies during the Korean War and Vietnam War.
In conclusion, the War Production Board was a crucial federal agency created to oversee war production during World War II. The agency’s accomplishments, including rationing of materials, standardization, employee mobilization, and production records, helped to maximize war production, optimize resource allocation, and improve efficiency. The WPB’s legacy extends beyond the war itself, influencing post-war economic development and serving as a model for future war mobilization efforts.
