Mobilizing for War: The Wartime Economy

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Questions and Answers

Which government agency was given new authority to convince more companies to convert to war production?

The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) (correct)
The Federal Reserve
The Department of Defense
The National Recovery Administration

Most companies initially preferred to continue producing consumer goods instead of military equipment.

True (A)

What major event changed the course of production in America, leading to widespread conversion to war production?

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) was permitted to make ______ to companies to help them convert to war production.

loans Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions:

Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) = A government agency established during the Great Depression to provide financial assistance to struggling businesses. War production = The manufacturing of military equipment and supplies for wartime use. Consumer goods = Products intended for everyday use and consumption by individuals. Pearl Harbor = The site of a surprise attack by Japan on the United States Navy, sparking American involvement in World War II. Signup and view all the answers

The military consistently consulted with the WPB before signing contracts.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Office of War Mobilization (OWM)?

To resolve disputes between different government agencies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following government agencies with their primary roles in the war effort:

WPB = Set priorities and production goals, control distribution of resources OWM = Resolved disputes between government agencies Military Agencies = Signed contracts for military supplies Signup and view all the answers

The War Production Board was established after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major challenge faced by business leaders during the conversion to wartime production?

Government bureaucracy and conflicting priorities (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable characteristic of Liberty ships that made them valuable during wartime?

Damaged Liberty ships could often be repaired and returned to service. Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the mobilization process for wartime production was smooth and efficient.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key advantage did the United States have over Germany in terms of military logistics?

Greater mobility and supply capabilities due to mass production. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The Liberty ship was a specialized aircraft carrier used during World War II.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Liberty ship = Primary cargo ship used during World War II Riveted ship = Vulnerable to damage due to loose rivets Welded ship = Stronger and less likely to fall apart when damaged Henry Kaiser = Industrialist who built Liberty ships in large numbers Mass production = Efficient method of producing large quantities of goods Ford = Famous for automotive production and wartime contributions Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a benefit of welded ships compared to riveted ships?

Easier to repair. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Henry Ford's contributions to the war effort were solely focused on automobile production.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The United States auto industry played a crucial role in producing military equipment during World War II.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the U.S. government regarding industry during World War II?

To improve manufacturing for a wartime economy (B) Signup and view all the answers

The U.S. government discouraged automobile manufacturers from contributing to the war effort.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the enormous B-24 bomber assembly line created by Willow Run Airport near Detroit?

The Liberator (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following government agencies with their primary function during World War II:

Selective Service and Training Act = Established a draft system to raise an army Reconstruction Finance Corporation = Provided loans to businesses to support wartime production War Production Board = Managed the production of war materials Signup and view all the answers

The United States had a clear advantage in World War II because they could move troops and supplies faster than their opponents.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the wartime economy on industrial production during World War II?

Industrial production increased dramatically (C) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of the wartime economy with their descriptions:

Production = The process of manufacturing war materials and goods Rationing = Controlled distribution of scarce resources War Bonds = Debt securities issued to finance military operations Draft = Compulsory enlistment for military service Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)

A government agency established during the Depression, authorized to make loans to companies for converting to war production.

War Production Conversion

The shift of industries from making consumer goods to manufacturing military equipment.

Pearl Harbor Attack

The event on December 7, 1941, that catalyzed the U.S. to enter World War II and accelerated industrial conversion.