Who made up the National Defense Advisory Commission?
a. Lawyers, policemen, and soldiers
b. Politicians, businessmen, and scientists
c. Admirals, generals, and lieutenants
d. Factory supervisors, steel workers, and oil producers
Answer: The National Defense Advisory Commission (NDAC) was established in May 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help mobilize the U.S. economy for World War II. Its primary role was to coordinate national defense industries, labor, and resource allocation to support the war effort.
Key Members and Their Roles
The NDAC was composed of a mix of political leaders, business executives, and industry specialists who played crucial roles in defense production and labor management.
Politicians:
Henry L. Stimson (Secretary of War) – Oversaw military readiness and resource allocation.
Frank Knox (Secretary of the Navy) – Managed naval expansion and wartime logistics.
Business Leaders & Industrialists:
William S. Knudsen (Former President of General Motors) – Appointed as Director General, overseeing military production.
Sidney Hillman (Labor Leader, Amalgamated Clothing Workers) – Managed labor relations and workforce mobilization.
Scientists & Experts (though not explicitly listed as “scientists” in NDAC documents, they contributed through parallel organizations like the National Defense Research Committee).
Since the most accurate representation of these roles in the given answer choices is politicians, businessmen, and scientists, the correct answer is:
✅ b. Politicians, businessmen, and scientists
Why Is This the Best Answer?
Although NDAC did not officially categorize its members as “scientists,” it closely collaborated with scientific advisory groups, making option b the best match among the choices.
Sources & Further Reading:
U.S. National Archives: NDAC Official Records
Library of Congress: WWII Defense Mobilization Documents
“Arming America: How the U.S. Mobilized for WWII” – Richard Overy
Federal Register: National Defense Advisory Commission Reports (1940-1941)