History Unit 1 Flashcards
(29 cards)
war production Board
est. Jan 1942 –> executive order –> war production & general economy
what did the war production board do?
-converted industries to war-related needs
-allocated & prioritized the distribution of raw materials
-Limited production of non-essential goods
-Paid for new plants to be built (e.g 50 rubber factories)
-Reimbursed business for costs, guaranteed profits
-suspended anti-trust laws
Why did the US suspend anti-trust laws during this period?
Due to larger corporations having more flexibility to adapt to war industries overtaking the smaller businesses–> whatever gives the most production
Office of War mobilization
Created with a lot of expansive powers –> the rate of production
rub by James F Byrnes–> “Assistant President”
what was the slogan that was used for production against the axis powers?
“We must out produce them overwhelmingly”
what are examples of the office of war mobilization in effects of production?
B-24 Liberator rolled off the line every 63 minutes
1944: US but more planes than Japan produced 1939-1945
Liberty cargo Ship but in 4-6 days
War Manpower commission
-Balanced the labor needs of agriculture, industry, and the armed forces
How_did_war manpower commission assign people in the workforce?
-used skills & experience to place workers + train others
-worked with management & major labor unions to establish rules limiting worker movement
-reallocated workers from unnecessary civilian jobs
-reassigned veterans returning from active duty
-recruited women and minorities
Office of Price Administration
est. May 1941
- est. price wage & rent controls —> combat inflation
rationing program —> ensure fair distribution & reduce demand
What other office was created to work alongside the OPA (office of Price Administration) to cover wages, food prices, & overall cost of living issues
Office of Economic Stabilization
What were other government programs doing to help the economy?
increasing taxes
promoting shift to income to war bonds
reduce inflationary pressure
National War Labor Board goal?
prevent labor conflicts that would interfere with production
what was the national war labor board’s goal / aim look like? `
“no strike no lockout” pledge
made up of politicians, business, & labor
mediate disputes, intruded if necessary(incl.plant_takeovers)augment_benefits
What other jobs did the national war labor board have?
control wages (larger industries)
- “little steel formula” –> increases tied to cost of living
-correct inter – intra plant inequities
-equal pay for equal work
office of civilian defense
to protect and care for the population in event of a bombing attack
what did the duties of the civilian defense force include?
-air raid procedures & blackout drills
-protect against fire
-outfitting & equipping shelters
-plane spotters
how many volunteers did the office of civilian defense have?
11 million
office of war information (lowkey propaganda)
-coordinated dissemination of wartime info
-education of the public
-expectations for civilian participation
who did the office of war information work closely with ?
Hollywood–> to advance war aims and promote American civilization & values
What platforms promoted propaganda campaigns abroad?
-Voice of American Radio
-Psychological warfare branch
-leaflets over enemy territory
-foreign newspapers & magazines
-promote US war aims
Why did African Americans participate in the war effort for a country that treated them as subhuman?
Participation in war effort —> lead to civil rights
Duty, honor, & shared sacrifice would change minds
What were the obstacles surrounding African American employment?
-companies were reluctant to hire blacks at first
- 50% refused
who was the civil rights leader that demanded equality in hiring opportunity (march on D.C)
A. Philip Randolph
why did FDR want to stop the march on D.C so much?
The march was highly televised —> unmasking/ embarrassing Americans as a hypocrite
fighting for democracy and equality when it is not even practiced at home
