Hemp, the unsung hero of the Second World War

In 1942, at the height of the Second World War, the United States launched a short film by propaganda entirely dedicated to hemp : Hemp for Victory. This film, produced by the US Department of theAgriculturewas designed to encourage farmers to grow hemp, a plant that has been illegal since the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937.

The context of the war

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor In 1941, the United States entered the war directly. The country faced a shortage of fibres essential to the production of ropes, parachute straps and other military equipment. The production of hemp in the Philippines and the East Indies was under Japanese control and jute imports from India were very limited.

To remedy this situation, the American government encouraged the culture domestic hemp in states such as Kentucky and Wisconsin. The film states:

"In 1942, at the request of the government, patriotic farmers planted 37,000 acres of hemp. The aim for 1943 is to exceed 50,000 acres."

A temporary return to hemp

In this 15-minute short film, we learn just how much the hemp has been central to the history maritime and industry. Sails, ropes and textiles have depended on hemp for centuries. In the midst of mobilisation, growing hemp became a patriotic act, temporarily decriminalised to support the war effort.

An unexpected disappearance and reappearance

Despite its historical importance, Hemp for Victory was long forgotten. After the war, hemp became illegaland the US government even denied the film's existence. It wasn't until 1989 that two VHS copies were rediscovered and donated to the Library of Congress by activists. Jack HererMia Farrow and Carl Packard.

Today, Hemp for Victory is available free of charge on the Internetoffers a unique insight into the importance of hemp during the Second World War and its under-exploited potential.

Why it's important today

This historical review highlights the versatility and the benefits of hemp. While this plant has played a decisive role in meeting major challenges in the past, it could now play an equally central role in meeting today's ecological and industrial challenges. Rediscover the history of Hemp for Victoryis to think about how to reintegrate this resource into our modern societies in a sustainable way.