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| Bernard Baruch, Head of the WIB in 1918 |
In July 28, 1917, the War Industries Board was organized to oversee purchase of war supplies, coordinate production, and as a response to lack of centralized control in war mobilization caused by political differences and opposition. The board had control over distribution of raw materials, prices, and labor relations. President Woodrow Wilson assigned financier Bernard Baruch in 1918 and increased the board's power. The board was then enabled to use all agencies of of the Council of National Defense, mobilize industry, and force adoption of its orders. It increased industrial production in the US by 20% but the war materials were produced too late to be of much use and Great Britain and France already supplied the heavy munitions the US soldiers needed. It was terminated by executive order on January 1, 1919, not long after the armistice had been signed.
More about WWI acts and boards in the US here
While the Board was eventually lead by Baruch, it was initially led by Frank A Scott, who had previously been head of the General Munitions Board. Scott was eventually replaced by Baltimore and Ohio Railroad president Daniel Willard. Eventually, in 1918, the board reorganized and appointed the financier Bernard Baruch.
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The WIB didn't hold very much power toward the beginning of their creation, because in general there was very little support for the War in Europe. However, throughout the wartime it gained more and more support. Baruch was the one to really get the board started and earn its position. The Board was made up of different divisions such as the Conservation Division which made production and manufacturing more efficient. These jobs created more comfort and support around the United States for the war efforts.
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