Question

Why did the War Food Administration want Americans to follow the message on this poster?

A) To provide relief from famine conditions in the country
B) To conserve food so that there would be enough to send to troops overseas
C) To prevent people from hoarding military supplies needed for the war effort
D) To help farmers decrease competition and keep prices high

Answer 1

The War Food Administration encouraged following conservation messages on posters to ensure enough food for troops overseas by promoting volunteer rationing practices and leveraging patriotism. This was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the war effort and align the home front's economic activities with military needs during World War II.

Step-by-step explanation:

The War Food Administration wanted Americans to follow the message on World War II posters to conserve food so that there would be enough to send to troops overseas (B).

This conservation included practices like "Meatless Mondays" and "Wheatless Wednesdays," aimed at reducing domestic consumption to ensure adequate supplies for the military. The goal was to strengthen the war effort by having a robust supply chain that could support the armed forces without causing shortages at home.

Herbert Hoover, who coordinated the Food Administration, leveraged patriotism to encourage volunteer rationing.

The government also regulated resources through the Lever Food and Fuel Control Act, granting the president authority over the production and distribution of food products during the war.

Additionally, the federal government's campaigns aimed at 'selling the war' were meant to mobilize the home front, ensuring that economic and production activities were aligned with the needs of the military.