What was the Purpose of the War Industries Board?
The War Industries Board (WIB) was a United States government agency established in 1917 during World War I. The board was created to coordinate the production and distribution of war materials, and to ensure that the war effort was carried out efficiently and effectively. In this article, we will explore the purpose of the War Industries Board and its impact on the war effort.
What was the Purpose of the War Industries Board?
The primary purpose of the War Industries Board was to coordinate the production and distribution of war materials. The board was responsible for ensuring that the military had the necessary resources to fight the war, and that the production of war materials was carried out efficiently and effectively. This included coordinating the production of goods such as ammunition, artillery, aircraft, and ships, as well as ensuring that the necessary supplies and equipment were available to the military.
Organization and Structure
The War Industries Board was organized into several divisions, each responsible for a specific area of production. These divisions included:
- Ammunition Division: Responsible for the production of ammunition, including artillery shells, bullets, and other small arms ammunition.
- Aircraft Division: Responsible for the production of aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and trainers.
- Shipbuilding Division: Responsible for the production of ships, including battleships, cruisers, and destroyers.
- Motor Transportation Division: Responsible for the production of vehicles, including trucks, cars, and motorcycles.
- Steel and Iron Division: Responsible for the production of steel and iron, including steel for shipbuilding, artillery, and other war materials.
Functions and Responsibilities
The War Industries Board had several key functions and responsibilities, including:
- Coordinating production: The board coordinated the production of war materials, ensuring that the military had the necessary resources to fight the war.
- Rationing and allocation: The board rationed and allocated resources, ensuring that the most critical war materials were produced and distributed to the military.
- Price control: The board controlled prices, ensuring that war materials were produced at a reasonable cost.
- Labor relations: The board handled labor relations, ensuring that workers were treated fairly and that labor disputes were resolved quickly.
- Research and development: The board funded research and development, ensuring that new technologies and innovations were developed to support the war effort.
Impact on the War Effort
The War Industries Board had a significant impact on the war effort, including:
- Increased production: The board’s coordination of production led to a significant increase in the production of war materials, ensuring that the military had the necessary resources to fight the war.
- Improved efficiency: The board’s rationing and allocation of resources ensured that war materials were produced and distributed efficiently, reducing waste and minimizing delays.
- Fair labor practices: The board’s labor relations ensured that workers were treated fairly, reducing labor disputes and maintaining morale.
- New technologies and innovations: The board’s funding of research and development led to the development of new technologies and innovations, including aircraft, tanks, and submarines.
Table: War Industries Board Divisions and Responsibilities
| Division | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Ammunition Division | Production of ammunition, including artillery shells, bullets, and other small arms ammunition |
| Aircraft Division | Production of aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and trainers |
| Shipbuilding Division | Production of ships, including battleships, cruisers, and destroyers |
| Motor Transportation Division | Production of vehicles, including trucks, cars, and motorcycles |
| Steel and Iron Division | Production of steel and iron, including steel for shipbuilding, artillery, and other war materials |
Conclusion
The War Industries Board was a critical component of the United States war effort during World War I. The board’s coordination of production, rationing and allocation of resources, price control, labor relations, and research and development all contributed to the efficient and effective production of war materials. The board’s impact on the war effort was significant, leading to increased production, improved efficiency, fair labor practices, and the development of new technologies and innovations.
