World War II devoured people and weapons, necessitating dramatic changes in the workforce and everyday life. Because agricultural production was often hit hard by invading forces, people lived on reduced rations. Raw materials were channeled into the manufacture of weapons, and it was the real difference in productivity that spelled victory for the Allies: Germany and Japan were outproduced in almost every category.

Question to Consider

Describe and analyze the type of mobilization of civilians necessary to achieve these production figures. Where you can make comparisons among combatant nations in mobilizing civilians, please do so.