The strategic self-sufficiency or deficiency in raw materials played a critical role in shaping the military and economic strategies of the major belligerent nations during World War II. The Allied nations, including the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), pursued diverse approaches to address their raw material … [Read more...] about Strategic Raw Materials Self Sufficiency or Deficiency
Economic
Allies Axis Vital Commerce and Raw Materials
Modern warfare demanded great raw material quantities and the combatants scrambled to ensure they had enough for their needs. Axis nations were at a disadvantage especially with regards to oil which drove the armored fighting vehicles, naval vessels, trucks, aircraft, and a myriad of other machinery. Additionally, the Axis nations did not have the commerce infrastructure that … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Vital Commerce and Raw Materials
Real National Product of UK, US, USSR, and Germany, 1937-45
The USSR suffered significant Real National Product loss due to losing territory and their associated economic assets. The United States and the United Kingdom both were able to grow their national products in real terms during the war years. Germany’s Real National Product However, it is the German Real National Product that is most interesting. From 1939 through … [Read more...] about Real National Product of UK, US, USSR, and Germany, 1937-45
Munitions Expenditure per Military Personnel
World War II witnessed a stark contrast in munitions expenditure per military personnel between the Allied nations (the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union) and Germany. This article explores the reasons behind the intensive munitions production built by the Allied nations from the beginning of the war, in contrast to Germany's slow build-up process. The … [Read more...] about Munitions Expenditure per Military Personnel
Allies-German Spending Ratios, Munitions vs Military Pay
During World War II, the Allied nations (the United States, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union) and Germany adopted contrasting approaches to munitions spending and military pay. The Allies focused on mass arms production, high industrial productivity, and logistics, while Germany emphasized craftsmanship, manpower, and the belief in highly trained troops. This article … [Read more...] about Allies-German Spending Ratios, Munitions vs Military Pay
Combat Munitions Production, Major Belligerents, 1935-44
In the prewar years Allied and Axis expenditures on combat munitions production tilted slightly in the Axis favor. However, by 1942 Soviet spending by itself was equaling Japanese and German spending and the United States was outspending the Axis nations on a 1.7 to one basis. Both Germany and Japan would continue to expand their munition expenditure at a growing rate, but they … [Read more...] about Combat Munitions Production, Major Belligerents, 1935-44
Combat Munitions Production, Allies versus Axis, 1935-44
During the prewar years 1935-39 the Allied nations spent 86 percent of what the Axis spent on combat munitions production. However, by 1942 the Allies were outspending the Axis nations on a 3.61 to one ratio. Although the ratio wouldn’t grow the spending gap kept accelerating until the end of the war. Combat Munitions Definition Combat munitions are weapons, … [Read more...] about Combat Munitions Production, Allies versus Axis, 1935-44
Soviet Engineering and Metalworking Labor Productivity, 41-45
Labor productivity for Soviet engineering and metalworking increased both as a factor of increased hours worked per laborer and increased productivity per hours worked. The net effect was an almost tripling of value added per worker. This compounding effect was also reflected in other labor categories as well, partially accounting for the Soviet Union’s greater productivity … [Read more...] about Soviet Engineering and Metalworking Labor Productivity, 41-45
German vs. USSR Volume of Industrial Production, 1940
Industrial production needs such as raw material, power, and tooling prior to Germany’s invasion of the USSR shows German advantages in the iron categories but at a disadvantage everywhere else. These measures partially represent Germany’s and Soviet Union’s industrial capacity to wage war. Industrial Production These numbers alone don’t tell … [Read more...] about German vs. USSR Volume of Industrial Production, 1940
Direct Man-Hours per US Airframe Pound Accepted
The learning curve at each manufacturer is evident as the man-hours to produce as measured by weight steadily decreases. However, no direct comparisons between manufacturers can be made from the figures shown. Even in the case of the B-24, where two firms produced the same items, differences in expenditures on tooling and previous production experience preclude valid … [Read more...] about Direct Man-Hours per US Airframe Pound Accepted