The Germans started Daylight Savings Time on May 1, 1916 in order to conserve fuel during World War I. The move was followed by other European countries and by the United States, which adopted DST on March 19, 1918, with the advancement of the Standard Time Act. At the end of World War I, the U.S. Congress abolished Daylight Savings Time, though some states continued it until the outbreak of World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt then instituted a year-round Daylight Savings Time, which was called “War Time.” It lasted until September 1945.

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After World War II, several states continued their summer DST until Congress enacted the Uniform Time Act of 1966. This act mandated the creation of time zones in the country and also provided for summer Daylight Savings Time. Congress tried to institute a year-round DST during OPEC’s oil embargo in 1973, but stiff resistance from many sectors forced its cancellation. Daylight Savings Time during the summer months was adopted instead.

Purpose of Daylight Savings Time

The purpose of DST is to help people conform their lives to the sun’s course. Daylight Savings Time intends to maximize our daylight hours, allowing us to spend more time outdoors. More time outside usually means more activity, which can enhance our health.

DST is also a boost to the economy, especially to the manufacturing and retail sectors associated with outdoor and sporting equipment. It can also enhance worker productivity. Longer daytime hours can allow for more work hours, especially for farm workers who depend on sunlight for their craft. Additionally, statistics show that crimes and accidents occur less during Daylight Savings Time.

Enjoying Daylight Savings Time

DST can be good for the environment, too. With DST, people get more hours to enjoy outdoor activities after work or school. The extra hours of light during the early evening allow people to spend time outside of their homes and spend less money on power that they might have used if they were cooped up inside a dark house. People may chat with their neighbors, barbecue in the backyard, take the kids to the park, and more.

As DST comes to a close, remember to set your clocks back on Sunday, November 6 at 2 am. That means that at 2 am, you’ll want your clock to ready 1 am. Bidding DST farewell can be a sad experience for some people, but the extra hour of sleep you gain will offer some consolation.