War Industries Board

Definition

The War Industries Board (WIB) was a government agency established during World War I to coordinate the purchase of war supplies. It encouraged companies to use mass-production techniques and eliminate waste.

Analogy

Think of the WIB as a conductor in an orchestra, coordinating all the different instruments (industries) to play together in harmony for one common goal - winning the war.

Related terms

Defense Production Act: A law that gives the President power to direct civilian businesses to help meet orders for products necessary for national defense.

Munitions: Military weapons, ammunition, equipment, and stores.

War Economy: The organization of a country's production capacity and distribution during a time of conflict.