How did food win over the war? A comprehensive study of the impact of First World War on the culinary culture of American population

Prior to the military involvement of the United States of America in World War I in 1917, American humanitarian participation during the early years of the war was unprecedented due to the nature of its benevolence and significance. The supply and distribution of staple food to her European Allies battling the war had become the foundational humanitarian venture undertaken by the USA government in the twentieth century.

On being encouraged by the government propaganda and campaign, American people voluntarily aimed to preserve their food surplus, with the commitment of donation to the countries at war. The military participation of America in the war in 1917 had prompted the government to establish the United States Food Administration which only amplified the food saving campaigns and agendas to feed the population and soldiers on both the fronts of Europe and America.

My dissertation delves into making of modern American cuisine, to exhibit the inextricable connection between the history of war and food in America; the shortage of food surfaced as a boon in disguise. Amidst the tumultuous atmosphere of food crisis, American gastronomic culture underwent a profound transformation over time and in such a fashion that it modified and moulded the food habits not only of its domestic population, but also of the global population.