ORGANIZING THE AMERICAN ECONOMY FOR WAR

WAR PRODUCTIONS BOARD (WPA) Converted (changed) industries military production American businesses mobilized their resources to serve

the needs of the military. Automobile manufacturers went from car engines to airplane

and tank engines Soft drink company to artillery shells Model trains to bomb fuses

MOBILIZATION

MOBILIZATION/PROPAGANDA Write the definition of

propaganda I think… I know… These posters remind

me of…because… Share one response

with your neighbor.

HOW DID THE UNITED STATES PAY FOR THE WAR?

Government spending rose Paid for WWII the same way it paid for WWI

Raised Taxes Individual and corporate (businesses) Congress began withholding a certain amount of money

from people’s paychecks to make tax collection easier (we still have this system today)

Borrowing Banks/financial institutions American people: war bonds

RATIONINGRationing: a fixed portion or amount of a particular product (flashcard) The U.S. government rationed about 20 consumer products.

Gasoline, tires, sugar, meats, etc… American consumers received books of coupons each

month to purchase rationed items. Ensured that everyone would have fairly equal access to

those goods.

PEOPLE DO THEIR PART ON THE HOME FRONT

Saved gasoline by riding their bicycles to work and forming car pools

Recycled metal, paper, and rubber.

Planted victory gardens Buying bonds Helped with morale of the

American public “I am making a contribution to the war effort”

CONSEQUENCES OF MOBILIZATION

1. Unemployment low2. People have $$$$ to spend3. Not enough consumer products available

Why? Factories are making products for war4. People can charge a higher price for what products

are availableWhat does the U.S. government do?

Price Controls: restrictions on the prices charged for goods.

AND…

EXIT SLIP1. How did businesses in the United States help mobilize

for WWII?

2. What is one way that the United States government paid for resources needed to mobilize for WWII?

3. How are WWI and WWII similar?

4. Why was rationing necessary during WWII?