WWI The War At Home In April, 1917, Congress declares war on Germany

Congress Gives Power To Wilson To deal with the shift towards a war economy, Congress gave President Wilson direct control over much of the economy, including the power to fix prices and to regulate certain war-related industries. Example – Force a factory to change from making cars to making tanks.

The main regulatory body established in 1917 War Industries Board The main regulatory body established in 1917 Promoted mass production techniques to increase efficiency, set production quotas, and allocated raw materials. Industrial production increased by 20% Sum # 6

Price controls were used at the wholesale level, making retail prices soar (govt. was buying in bulk, made single items for individual consumers expensive) Another regulatory body, the Fuel Administration promoted conservation of energy and introduced daylight-saving time to take advantage of the longer days of summer. Members of Congress set a clock ahead one hour in the 1st daylight saving time 1918

Blue collar workers saw wages increase by 20% during wartime. War Economy Blue collar workers saw wages increase by 20% during wartime. A households income was undercut, however, by rising inflation. (while workers were making more $, stuff cost more) Stockholders in large corporations saw enormous profits National War Labor Board was set up to control the rise of labor unions; keep war production moving smoothly Munitions and aircraft workers

Set up to help preserve and conserve food Food Administration Set up to help preserve and conserve food President urged Americans to follow rules about certain types of food consumption. Americans planted “Victory Gardens” in their yards and parks. Food Administration set high prices on wheat and other staple foods increasing farmers income by 30% Sum # 7