Statistics of Ship Production in New York State
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Under the auspices of war time economics, President Wilson expanded the power and scope of committees such as the Shipping Board and the War Industries Board. These organizations used a centralized approach to increase shipping contracts, to funnel appropriate materials to ship building facilities, to increase production standards and quotas, and to create a climate of unprecedented government-industry collaboration.
The result was nothing less than taking a function that was largely non-existent and turning the shipping industry into a viable enterprise that not only produced but transported enormous quantities of goods and troops thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean to support the war effort. Without such a turnaround, the situation in Europe and on the American home front would have been vastly different.
Essential Question
How does war impact domestic industry?
Check for Understanding
Summarize the information contained in the chart and discuss the impact of the war on New York State industry and production.
Historical Challenges
Research and discuss how today’s modern army gets supplied in war zones.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Science/Technology: Research and write a report on different propulsion systems that might make shipping more efficient and economical.
Math: Calculate the ratio of the various types of ships to the total tonnage produced in New York.