Final answer:
The War Industries Board, overseen by Bernard Baruch, played the pivotal role in coordinating supplies, distributing ammunition, and facilitating construction during World War I, including the necessary transport via the U.S. Railroad Administration and shipyards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coordination of War Supplies
In response to the question about who is responsible for coordinating supplies, distributing ammunition, and expediting construction, during the World War I era, this role was largely filled by the War Industries Board (WIB). The WIB, headed by Bernard Baruch, was responsible for regulating industries involved in war material production. It had authority over what products were to be produced, the production locations, and the pricing. This control extended to the allocation of raw materials, managing government contracts with private producers, and at times, even taking control of private factories to ensure efficiency.
The U.S. Railroad Administration was created to solve logistical challenges, ensuring efficient countrywide transport of personnel and supplies needed for the war effort. Furthermore, the federal government implicated strategies to increase ship production, which was critical for transporting troops and supplies across the ocean. These strategies included exemptions from military service for shipyard workers, and standardized shipbuilding techniques.
With military operations spanning the globe, support elements such as engineers also played vital roles, exemplified by the engineering efforts during the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995-1996. The overarching coordination of the U.S. armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, was crucial for successful mobilization and the eventual execution of military strategies.