•  
  •  
 

Keywords

World War II rationing, American home front, civilian wartime mobilization

Abstract

In any conflict or competition it is often said that the winner is “fueled to victory.” This could come as a result of training, diet, stamina, support from others, or sheer willpower. Even small variations in any of these elements can have significant consequences and affect outcomes. The same can be said about civilians during wartime, especially during the largest conflict of the twentieth century, World War II. The war cemented the United States as a global power, thanks in part to its massive economy, technologies, and industries, which helped to overcome the war of attrition against the Axis powers. The United States was forced to fight a war on many fronts and was able to not only beat its enemies in war but also to feed and supply its allies and citizens concurrently. The rationing of civilian goods began before the United States was officially at war and was intended to prevent shortages and poverty. With supply lines threatened by U-boats and air raids, the US government aimed to ensure that it could maintain an adequate store of food and material with which it could supply both the battlefront and the home front. Americans took enthusiastically to rationing as a way to be involved in the war effort and government propaganda fanned patriotic fervor. Americans embraced cutting back on luxury foods and goods owing to a sense of gratitude at being spared from the death and destruction found elsewhere.

Download

Share

COinS