What was the main purpose of the War Industries Board?
The War Industries Board (WIB) was established in the United States on July 28, 1917, during the First World War. The main purpose of the WIB was to increase the production of war materiel and supplies, in order to support the country’s war effort and coordinate the industrial mobilization efforts of the government and the private sector.
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Background and Creation of the War Industries Board
The WIB was created in response to the increasing demands of war production and the need to coordinate the efforts of government agencies, industries, and labor unions. Prior to the creation of the WIB, the production of war materials was fragmented, with various government agencies, such as the Navy Department and the War Department, purchasing materials from private industry. This led to inefficiencies, delays, and a lack of standardization in the production process.
In response, President Woodrow Wilson called for the creation of a centralized agency to coordinate war production. The WIB was established under the jurisdiction of the Council of National Defense, which was tasked with mobilizing the nation’s resources for war production.
Structure and Functions of the War Industries Board
The WIB was headed by a board of seven members, including the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of War, and the Secretary of Commerce. The WIB was responsible for five main functions:
- Mobilization and Coordination: The WIB was responsible for mobilizing the nation’s resources, including labor, raw materials, and equipment, to support war production. It worked closely with labor unions and industry associations to ensure a smooth flow of production.
- Procurement: The WIB was responsible for procuring war materials and supplies, including equipment, ammunition, and medical supplies. It worked with government agencies and private industry to determine the priority needs of the military and to ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Research and Development: The WIB sponsored research and development projects to improve the efficiency and quality of war production. It worked with universities, laboratories, and private industry to develop new technologies and techniques.
- Price Regulation: The WIB regulated prices and profits in industries producing war materials to prevent profiteering and maintain fairness. It implemented price controls and profit-sharing agreements to ensure that excess profits were shared with labor and invested in war production.
- Transportation: The WIB coordinated the transportation of war materials and supplies, both domestically and internationally. It worked with railroads, shipping companies, and government agencies to ensure the rapid and efficient movement of materials.
Achievements of the War Industries Board
The WIB played a crucial role in the U.S. war effort, achieving the following significant goals:
- Increased production: The WIB achieved a significant increase in the production of war materials and supplies, including aircraft, ships, tanks, and ammunition. Production rose from 1.8 billion in 1916 to 12.9 billion in 1918.
- Streamlined production: The WIB implemented standardized production techniques, streamlined production processes, and eliminated inefficiencies. This led to increased productivity and reduced costs.
- Improved efficiency: The WIB promoted the development of new technologies and techniques, such as mass production and assembly line production. This allowed for faster and more efficient production.
- Fair pricing: The WIB ensured fair pricing and profit regulation, preventing profiteering and maintaining fairness in the war production sector.
Table: Statistics on War Production during WWI
| Year | Production Value (Billions) | Production Volume | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 | 1.8 | 1.4 million | |
| 1917 | 4.5 | 2.8 million | |
| 1918 | 12.9 | 4.5 million | |
| 1919 | 18.5 | 5.5 million |
Legacy of the War Industries Board
The WIB’s achievements had a lasting impact on the U.S. war production sector. The board’s success in increasing production, streamlining production processes, and promoting standardization laid the foundation for the country’s post-war economic growth. The WIB’s experience also shaped the U.S. approach to industrial mobilization during subsequent wars and national emergencies.
In conclusion, the War Industries Board was a crucial institution during World War I, playing a central role in the country’s war effort. By increasing production, streamlining processes, and promoting standardization, the WIB achieved significant results, paving the way for the country’s post-war economic growth.
