Volunteerism, Incentivization, and Coercion: United States Mobilization in World War II
Abstract
World War II serves as an extraordinary example of United States mobilization for total war, as it was the most significant and violent conflict in human history. American policy-makers and military leaders found it challenging to walk the fine line between relying on voluntarism, incentivization, and coercion to lead the war effort. This paper unfolds in 4 parts. First, it examines the relationship between international and domestic context relative to the authority vested in executive agencies charged with coordinating the war production effort. Second, it argues that while American were averse to conscripted labor, government agencies were able to establish a closed system of labor to support war industries, but still incentivized participation in the work force. Third, it contents that policy-makers balanced conscripting men into the armed service with sustaining appropriate levels of workers to maximize war production. Fourth; it concludes that in preparation for the next war, policy-makers and military planners must identify the acceptable and appropriate levels of authority for federal agencies concerning industry and people. Officials must establish a system to effectively and efficiently coordinating labor to maximize the war effort while simultaneously expanding the armed forces. Most importantly, US policy-makers will find it challenging to walk the fine line between relying on voluntarism, incentivization, and coercion to lead the war effort as the international and domestic context changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1177921
Entities
People
- Matthew D. Alvis
Organizations
- Marine Corps University