The United States Shipping Board was established in 1916 to oversee the nation's shipping industry, particularly during World War I. Its primary goal was to ensure that the United States had a strong merchant fleet to support military and commercial needs. The board managed ship construction, operation, and the allocation of resources to enhance maritime capabilities. After the war, the Shipping Board transitioned to managing surplus ships and promoting the growth of the American shipping industry. It played a crucial role in the development of the Merchant Marine and worked to improve shipping standards and practices in the United States.