On The Homefront

As many of the everyday products and goods men and women used on a day to day basis were being re-directed towards the war effort, each citizen was asked to conserve where they could.

Scrap Drives: Metal was a valuable and limited resource in America. Though we had the mines to produce the raw materials, labor was in short supply. By identifying already made materials that could be simply melted down and reused, it would save time and money towards the war effort.

Rubber: As the main supply of rubber was in Japanese hands, the nation was short on resources. Families were asked to reduce the amount of miles driven, and were limited to 5 tires per vehicle.

Petroleum: As much of the nations gaoline supply was shifted towards military use, families were rationed the amount of gasoline thet could use per week. Quanities of 4 gallons per household were the norm, while trucks and essential transportation services were allotted more.

Fat: Common household fats contain glycerin, which is essential in the production of explosives. Families were asked to save all scrap fat and recycle these towards the war effort.

Food: Meat, sugar and dairy supplies were acquisitioned towards the war effort. Families were supplied “Ration Books” that would allow families to get their supplies, but at a lower and restricted amount per person. Each individual was supplied with a ration book towards this means.