American Homefront During WWII: Rationing

In America today consumption is huge. Whether it be food, gas, clothes, or everyday luxuries, Americans like to spend. However, America in the 1940's was completely different than what it is today in terms of spending. American citizens had to become familiar with a term called rationing due to WWII.


America had a hold on what people could buy and how much. Prices were low and people had just enough and no more. Everyone was given a ration book and in this book it contained stamps that you would use to buy rationed items (items of limited quantity). Because of the great amount of resources that needed to be used by the soldiers, there needed to be a ration of resources so that Americans could still attain these resources as well as soldiers.

This is an image of the front, back, and inside of a ration stamp booklet. The front had the holder's information such as name, age, gender, and other personal information. The inside, shown on the bottom, are the ration stamps, and the back were instructions printed, that I have listed below. (Image attained from Flickr Creative Commons)

The following was printed on the back of the stamp booklet:


1. This book is valuable. Don't lose it. 

2. Each stamp authorizes you to purchase rationed goods in the quantities and at the times designated by the Office of Price Administration. Without the stamps you will be unable to purchase these goods. 

3. Detailed instructions concerning the use of the book and the stamps will be issued. Watch for those instructions   so that you will know how to use your book and stamps. Your Local War Price and Rationing Board can give you full information. 

4. Do not throw this book away when all of the stamps have been used, or when the time for their use has expired. You may be required to present this book when you apply for subsequent books. 

Rationing is a vital part of your country's war effort. Any attempt to violate the rules is an effort to deny someone his share and will create hardship and help the enemy. 

This book is your Government's assurance of your right to buy your share of certain goods made scarce by war. Price ceilings have also been established for your protection. Dealers must post these prices conspicuously. Don't pay more.


Give your whole support to rationing and thereby conserve our vital goods.

Be guided by the rule: "If you don't need it, DON'T BUY IT." 

US Government Printing Office 1943

Where this method worked back in that time period, I am sure if anything like that is considered in America today, there is no doubt in my mind it would result in chaos.