Price Controls and the Home Front

This chapter explores the historical establishment and impact of the Office of Price Administration (OPA) during World War II, highlighting the crucial role of volunteer housewives in enforcing price controls. It examines the economic repercussions of wartime production shifts, the challenges of balancing supply and demand, and the government’s efforts to ensure equitable distribution of essential goods. Additionally, the chapter discusses the tensions between consumer advocates and businesses, as well as the lasting effects of these policies on the post-war economy and political landscape.