The War saw a decline of civilian consumption, with a major reallocation to munitions. The government share of GDP soared from 8% in 1913 to 38% in 1918 (compared to 50% in 1943).[102][103] The war forced Britain to use up its financial reserves and borrow large sums from private and government creditors in the United States.[104] Shipments of American raw materials and food allowed Britain to feed itself and its army while maintaining his productivity. The financing was generally successful,[105] as the City's strong financial position minimized the damaging effects of inflation, as opposed to much worse conditions in Germany.[106] Overall consumer consumption declined 18% from 1914 to 1919.[107] Trade unions were encouraged as membership grew from 4.1 million in 1914 to 6.5 million in 1918, peaking at 8.3 million in 1920 before relapsing to 5.4 million in 1923.[108] In Scotland, the shipbuilding industry expanding by a third.[109] The trade unions enthusiastically supported the war, apart from the coal miners who were much less enthusiastic.