War Industries Board facts for kids
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | July 8, 1917 |
| Dissolved | January 1, 1919 |
| Headquarters | Washington D.C. |
The War Industries Board (WIB) was a special group set up by the United States government during World War I. It started on July 28, 1917. Its main job was to make sure the U.S. military had all the supplies it needed for the war. This meant helping the Army and Navy work together to buy things.
Before the WIB, there was a group called the General Munitions Board. But it didn't have enough power. So, the War Industries Board was created to be stronger and more effective.
Contents
Who Led the WIB?
The War Industries Board had a few leaders during its short time.
- First, it was led by Frank A. Scott. He used to be in charge of the General Munitions Board.
- In November, Daniel Willard, who was the president of a big railroad company, took over.
- Finally, in January 1918, the board was reorganized. A well-known businessman named Bernard M. Baruch became its leader.
What Did the WIB Do?
The War Industries Board had several important tasks to help the war effort:
- Boost Production: It encouraged factories to use mass production methods. This helped them make more goods faster and more efficiently.
- Reduce Waste: The board asked companies to make products simpler and more standard. This helped cut down on waste.
- Set Goals: It decided how much of certain products needed to be made. It also made sure factories had the raw materials they needed.
- Help Workers: The WIB even used special tests to help people find the best jobs for their skills.
- Solve Problems: When workers went on strike, the WIB stepped in. It helped solve disagreements between factory owners and workers. Often, they would suggest higher wages to keep supplies flowing for the war.
Impact and End of the WIB
The War Industries Board helped the U.S. increase its industrial production by 20 percent. This was a huge boost for the war. However, much of the war material was made too late to be used in the war.
The War Industries Board was officially closed down on January 1, 1919. This happened after the war ended.
Even though it didn't last long, the WIB was very important. It showed how the government and businesses could work together. Ideas from the WIB were later used during the New Deal and World War II to help the country.
Important Members of the War Industries Board
Here are some of the people who were part of the War Industries Board:
- Frank A. Scott, the first chairman
- Bernard M. Baruch
- Robert S. Brookings, who led a distribution company
- Robert S. Lovett, president of the Union Pacific Railroad
- Hugh Frayne, from the American Federation of Labor
- Army Brigadier General Palmer E. Pierce
- Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher
Other members who joined later included:
- Alexander Legge, who became vice chairman
- Ollie Josephine Prescott Baird Bennett
- Samuel P. Bush, who handled small arms and ammunition
- Clarence Dillon, a partner in a financial firm
- Army General George Washington Goethals
- Hugh S. Johnson
- Eugene Meyer, an advisor on metals
- Edward Stettinius Sr., a partner in a big bank
- George Cameron Stone, who led the non-ferrous metal section
- Major Seth Williams, a Marine Corps representative
