The agency established in 1942 by executive order during World War II oversaw the conversion of industrial manufacturing from civilian goods to military supplies. Its primary function was to regulate the production and allocation of materials and resources necessary for the war effort. An example includes directing automobile factories to manufacture tanks and airplanes rather than passenger vehicles.
This organization proved critical to the Allied victory. By centrally coordinating industrial output, it ensured that the armed forces had the equipment and supplies needed to fight effectively. It eliminated wasteful production, prioritized essential materials, and spurred unprecedented levels of industrial output. This centralized control and direction fundamentally reshaped the American economy and contributed significantly to the nation’s eventual prosperity in the postwar era.