Question

How did the United States mobilize economic resources and promote popular support for the war effort? How were these efforts received by the American people?

Answer 1

How did the United States mobilize economic resources and promote popular support for the war effort?

Even before the War started the US was wary of the political situation developing in Europe and US did suspect that a World War may come soon. Moreover, US realized that a real threat to its security existed due to the aggressive and expansionist policies followed by the Axis powers. Thus US already began the mobilization of its economy before it entered war.

Some mobilization efforts by US includes –

• Focus on industry producing heavy amounts of war goods such as arms, ammunitions, planes, ships etc.
• These arms and ammunitions were exported to Allied powers also.
• In 1940(US entered War in 1941) the Congress approved President Roosevelt’s request of heavy spending on Defence quoting it to be necessary for American security.
• Heavy employment generation took place in industries for war production, in recruitment as soldiers and their training and so on. Many Women and elderly also were employed in various sectors.It also helped curb the vagaries of the Great Depression.
• Consumption was curtailed by rationing and price controls. Goods such as gasoline, meat, and clothing were rationed.
• Taxation system was revised to raise sums for war efforts.
• Incentives were provided to companies converting to war production. For example automobile industries started making jeeps,tanks,military trucks etc.
• Moreover bidding for government contracts for military equipment was done away with as it took time, instead cost plus contracts were signed.

And so on

How were these efforts received by the American people?

Driven by patriotism and desire to have security at home, war efforts were well received by the Americans. They undertook several efforts to help the government in war efforts.

• They enrolled in heavy numbers to become soldiers.
• They undertook several volunteering efforts. Women, children, and elderly also participated in them in huge numbers.
• They submitted to government imposed ration and price controls.
• Students, housewives, retirees etc. also moved on to join the labor force.
• Women volunteerrd to work for Red Cross and similar agencies.
• People participated heavily in civilian surveillance such as civil air patrol where civilians were involved in air reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue.

Thus we see Americans overwhelmingly participated in war efforts and helped US to thump its enemies.