Coffee’s role in warfare
Coffee has long been more than just a morning ritual; it has played a significant role in the lives of soldiers and civilians during wartime. From the Civil War to the World Wars, coffee has been a comforting companion, a morale booster, and sometimes even a symbol of normalcy amid chaos. Its presence in the military camps, trenches, and war-torn cities has left a lasting impact, illustrating how this simple beverage could become an essential part of the war effort.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), coffee became a staple for Union soldiers, who considered it as vital as ammunition. The Union army was supplied with rations that included coffee beans, and soldiers often roasted and ground them themselves, brewing coffee over campfires. This ritual provided not only physical warmth and energy but also a psychological boost. As battles raged on, soldiers found solace in the familiar taste of coffee, creating a momentary escape from the harsh realities of war. Confederate soldiers, however, were less fortunate. As the war dragged on and blockades tightened, coffee became scarce in the South. Desperate for the comfort of coffee, soldiers and civilians alike resorted to creating substitutes from acorns, chicory, or corn—none of which could quite match the real thing.
The role of coffee expanded significantly during World War I (1914-1918). As millions of soldiers faced the horrors of trench warfare, coffee once again emerged as a critical comfort. The trenches were cold, wet, and exhausting, and coffee provided a much-needed source of warmth and alertness. Soldiers from various nations relied on coffee to stay awake during long watches and to keep their spirits up in the face of unimaginable hardships. In the United States, the War Department recognized the importance of coffee and made sure that American soldiers were well-supplied. The military even went so far as to install large mobile kitchens, known as “rolling kitchens,” near the front lines, where coffee was brewed in massive quantities and served to soldiers to help them endure the gruelling conditions.
World War II (1939-1945) further cemented coffee’s role in wartime. The global conflict brought about rationing, and in the United States, coffee was no exception. By November 1942, the U.S. government had imposed coffee rationing, limiting civilians to one pound every five weeks. The rationale was to ensure that American troops overseas had a steady supply. For soldiers, coffee was more than just a drink; it was a symbol of home and a link to their loved ones. The U.S. military even included instant coffee in soldiers’ rations, allowing them to brew a cup of coffee quickly and easily, no matter where they were stationed. The widespread use of instant coffee during the war also introduced many people to this new, convenient form of coffee, which would remain popular in the post-war years.
Coffee’s influence extended beyond the battlefield. In war-torn cities across Europe and Asia, coffeehouses and cafes became hubs of social interaction, resistance, and even espionage. For example, in occupied Paris, cafes served as meeting places for members of the French Resistance. These establishments were more than just places to get a cup of coffee; they were centres of communication and coordination, where covert operations were planned and vital information was exchanged. Despite the war raging outside, these cafes provided a semblance of normalcy and a space where people could gather and feel a sense of community.
Even in the face of scarcity, coffee managed to bring people together. In Britain, during the Blitz, coffeehouses known as “tea and coffee wagons” would move through bombed-out areas of London, offering warm drinks to civilians and rescue workers alike. These mobile cafes became a symbol of resilience and solidarity, providing comfort and a brief respite from the horrors of war.
In modern times, the relationship between coffee and the military continues. For soldiers deployed in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, coffee remains a staple of military life. Organizations like the Green Beans Coffee Company have set up cafes on military bases in these regions, where soldiers can enjoy a cup of coffee and connect with family and friends back home via the internet. These cafes have become a crucial part of life on base, offering a sense of normalcy and a break from the stress of deployment.
