1. Mobilizing Industry: The primary goal of the WPB was to ensure the timely and efficient production of war materiel, such as aircraft, ships, tanks, munitions, and other military supplies. The WPB worked closely with the U.S. military to identify and prioritize production needs and allocate resources accordingly.
2. Conversion of Industry: The WPB also oversaw the conversion of civilian industries to war production. Many factories that had previously manufactured civilian goods were repurposed to produce war-related items. This required the reallocation of raw materials, equipment, and labor to support war production.
3. Allocation of Resources: The WPB was responsible for allocating critical raw materials, such as steel, aluminum, and copper, to various industries based on their importance to the war effort. The board implemented a system of priorities and quotas to ensure that war industries received the necessary resources while minimizing disruption to essential civilian sectors.
4. Control over Prices: The WPB played a crucial role in controlling inflation during the war by regulating prices and wages. The board worked with the Office of Price Administration (OPA) to establish price ceilings for goods and services to prevent profiteering.
5. Labor Relations: The WPB coordinated with labor unions, management, and government agencies to address labor issues that could affect production. This involved negotiating labor contracts, resolving labor disputes, and addressing worker shortages and skills gaps.
6. Technology Development: The WPB supported research and development efforts to improve the efficiency of production and develop new technologies that could provide a strategic advantage in the war.
7. Consumer Goods Production: While the primary focus was on war production, the WPB also ensured the provision of essential consumer goods to maintain public morale and support the war effort.
The War Production Board played a vital role in mobilizing the U.S. economy and converting it to war production. Its efforts contributed significantly to the Allied victory in World War II by providing the necessary materiel and supplies to the troops on the front lines. The WPB was dissolved on November 3, 1945, after the end of the war.