The United States Maritime Commission (USMC) was established in 1936 to promote the development and maintenance of the U.S. merchant marine. Its primary goal was to ensure that the country had a strong shipping industry capable of supporting both commercial and military needs. The commission played a crucial role during World War II by overseeing the construction of ships and managing wartime shipping operations. After the war, the USMC shifted its focus to regulating the shipping industry and fostering competition among private shipping companies. It also worked to improve the efficiency of the U.S. maritime industry. In 1950, the commission was dissolved, and its functions were transferred to the newly created Maritime Administration within the Department of Transportation.