Changes

Civilian consumption increased 22% during the war, though there were many shortages in critical areas.  Production stopped on many civilian items, such as automobiles, new houses, and new appliances. Many commodities, such as meat, sugar, butter, coffee, gasoline, tires, shoes and clothing were rationed.  Local schools set up stations where people could get their ration coupons (with teachers handling the paperwork.)  Each person (regardless of age) received the same food and clothing coupons.  To purchase an item three things were needed: the storekeeper had to have the item in the first place, the purchaser had to have the cash, and had to have the coupons. Most automobile drivers received coupons for 3 gallons a week; those who could document special needs received extra gasoline coupons. (There was plenty of gasoline; the rationing was an efficient way to ration automobile tires, with rubber in very short supply.) Bread, milk and beer were not rationed. People eating in restaurants had to pay with cash and ration coupons. Rationing was generally supported by the civilian population, although there was some [[black market]] activity, that is, purchase of an item without the coupons. The government hunted down and prosecuted black marketeers.  There was much "gray market" activity--that is family and neighbors selling or trading ration coupons; that was technically illegal but rarely prosecuted.  

Civilian consumption increased 22% during the war, though there were many shortages in critical areas.  Production stopped on many civilian items, such as automobiles, new houses, and new appliances. Many commodities, such as meat, sugar, butter, coffee, gasoline, tires, shoes and clothing were rationed.  Local schools set up stations where people could get their ration coupons (with teachers handling the paperwork.)  Each person (regardless of age) received the same food and clothing coupons.  To purchase an item three things were needed: the storekeeper had to have the item in the first place, the purchaser had to have the cash, and had to have the coupons. Most automobile drivers received coupons for 3 gallons a week; those who could document special needs received extra gasoline coupons. (There was plenty of gasoline; the rationing was an efficient way to ration automobile tires, with rubber in very short supply.) Bread, milk and beer were not rationed. People eating in restaurants had to pay with cash and ration coupons. Rationing was generally supported by the civilian population, although there was some [[black market]] activity, that is, purchase of an item without the coupons. The government hunted down and prosecuted black marketeers.  There was much "gray market" activity--that is family and neighbors selling or trading ration coupons; that was technically illegal but rarely prosecuted.