US World War II Rationing Trivia Quiz

Answer: Office of Price Administration

The OPA was originally set up to control prices in August 1941 by Presidential Executive Order with the intent to control inflation. After the war stated in December 1941, its powers were extended to include the rationing of key items, such as tires, automobiles, shoes, nylon, sugar, gasoline, fuel oil, coffee, meats and processed foods. 90% of retail food prices were frozen.

Answer: rubber

The Allies controlled about 80% of the world's oil production. The Japanese controlled most rubber production. In order to save rubber, gas was rationed. The tire re-cap business boomed.

Answer: Four gallons

Persons who had 'A' cards were considered as non-essential users. By 1945 more than half the cars on the road had 'A' stickers.

'B' cards allowed eight gallons but you had to be classified as an essential worker, such as working in an war plant.

'C' cards were issued to physicians, ministers, mail carriers and railroad
workers, and were pretty much unrestricted.

'T' cards were for truckers and were unrestricted.

'X' cards were also unrestricted and were for VIPs, such as members of Congress.

The system led to the growth of the black market and counterfeiting. 'C' cards were the most counterfeited. In addition, the government decreed a "victory speed [limit]" of 40 mph but some open roads were posted at thirty five.

Answer: Sugar

Most rationed items came off in 1945 but sugar continued to be rationed until 1947. As with rubber, the resources for sugar was not controlled by the Allies. Production of sugar from beets was below expectation. Even after the war, it took some time to restore sugar production to pre-war levels.

Answer: No skirts below the knees.

America seemed to adjust to these restrictions although the role of government in fashion design was questioned. Exemptions were made for bridal gowns, maternity dresses, and religious vestments.

Answer: Four

There was a ration book for each member of the family. The family could use any books for purchases. No distinction was made between adults and children.

Answer: The grocer gives you four cardboard tokens.

Red and blue chips or tokens, generally in denominations of one, were issued to keep the point system working. Ration books had a built-in slot to save the point tokens.

Answer: canned pineapple

Fruit was generally most costly in terms of ration points than vegetables. The pineapple was 24 points, the peas 16, the green beans 11, and the soup 6.

Answer: Perishables such as eggs, milk, and fresh vegetables

There seemed to be an adequate supply of milk and eggs although cheese was rationed. Nearly all products containing significant amounts of metal were rationed and could only be obtained by special application.

Answer: Development of alternative means of obtaining rationed items

Put another way, the black market was in full swing. People made counterfeit ration books, bought products at high costs without coupons, people lied about the number of members in their families. The black market dealt in clothing, liquor, meat, sugar, and gasoline. If you were willing to pay the price, many rationed items could be gotten, even with constant publicly on evils of the black market and appeals to patriotism.

The black market was just one example of war time profiteering.