Forging a War Economy

35. The effort to create a "war economy" in the US tended to rely on what, instead of what?
The effort to create a war economy in the US relied on the emotions of patriotism, rather than on the cool majesty of the laws.


36. What impact did war time events have on the passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919?
During the war, Congress restricted the use of foodstuffs for making alcohol, and the spirit of self denial caused by the war accelerated a wave of prohibition. Some brewers were German, so many refused to drink. This all led to the passage of the 18th Amendment, which temporarily prohibited alcohol in the US.


37. Did the government's approach to mobilizing a war time economy through patriotism and volunteerism work?
Mobilizing a war economy through patriotism and volunteerism worked, as farm production increased by one fourth, food exports to the Allies tripled, and Americans were encouraged to save fuel by the Fuel Administration. The Treasury Department sponsored parades and promoted Liberty Loan Drives with slogans such as "Halt the Hun!" These efforts raised $21 billion, which was two thirds of the cost of the war.


Now let's pick some Liberty cabbage from my Liberty garden so I can put it in my Liberty steak. Yum!


For the next set of questions, go visit Anna's blog!