Why did the onset of World War II have a positive impact on the economy of South Carolina? Many people had to ration their consumption of goods. Many people had to ration their consumption of goods. Navy yards in Charleston mobilized to build new destroyers. Navy yards in Charleston mobilized to build new destroyers. Soldiers leaving for overseas meant that fewer goods were being consumed. Soldiers leaving for overseas meant that fewer goods were being consumed. Many government contracts and military bases opened in western states.