The Office of Price Administration (OPA) was a United States federal agency established during World War II. Its primary function was to control money and rents after the outbreak of World War II to combat inflation. The OPA placed ceilings on prices of most goods, and rationed scarce supplies such as gasoline, tires, meat, sugar, and other commodities. This was intended to prevent prices from skyrocketing due to increased demand and limited supply during wartime.
This agency held significant importance in the American home front during the war years. By implementing price controls and rationing, it aimed to stabilize the economy and ensure fair distribution of essential goods. This prevented hoarding and black market activity, thus contributing to overall war effort by maintaining civilian morale and productivity. The historical context involved anxieties about rapid inflation potentially crippling the nation’s ability to support the military and its allies.