August 24, 1916. President Wilson establishes the Council of National Defense.

In a pretty clear indication of which way the wind was blowing, President Wilson established the Council of National Defense on this day in 1916.  The council, consisting of the Secretaries of War, Navy, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce and Labor was tasked with investigating and advising the Executive on the strategic placement of industrial goods and services for the potential and future use in war.  War was of course looming, and Wilson was having plenty of trouble in this department at the time.

^{Headquarters for the Council of National Defense.}