Write a paragraph describing how the U.S. government managed the economy during
World War I and the economic effects of the management. Consider the roles played by the Food Administration, the War Industries Board (WIB), and the War Labor Board.
During World War I, the U.S. government adopted a series of measures to manage the economy effectively. The Food Administration, headed by Herbert Hoover, was established to ensure the sufficient production and distribution of food supplies. Through voluntary rationing, price controls, and propaganda campaigns, the agency encouraged Americans to conserve food, resulting in increased exports to Europe to support the war effort. The War Industries Board (WIB), led by Bernard Baruch, orchestrated the country's industrial economy by overseeing production, coordinating resources, and allocating materials to prioritize war-related industries. This centralized approach helped to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and promote collaboration among businesses. Additionally, the War Labor Board was established to prevent strikes and labor disputes by mediating between workers and employers, setting standardized wages, and instituting an eight-hour workday. These efforts ensured stability and productivity in the labor force, leading to increased production and support for the war. Overall, the government's management of the economy during World War I significantly contributed to a strengthened industrial capacity, improved food supply, and stable labor conditions.
