re: Wonder what wonderful condiment will be invented for the upcoming civil war.

WWII

When Americans at home refused to limit their meat consumption to help feed troops overseas voluntarily, the government began to restrict what American households could consume. In 1943, with rationing enforced, adults were permitted 2.5 pounds of meat per week. There was a limit on the amount of beef or steak that could fit this measurement, but processed meats were always fair game. Many Americans consequently ate more sausages and hot dogs than they otherwise might have.

Corn dogs were invented sometime in the early 1940s before rationing took place. But their popularity likely surged due to the serendipitous circumstances amidst wartime scarcity. If they couldn't have beef or steak, Americans could at least enjoy a battered and deep-fried hot dog on a stick.

Though the corn dog has fairly mysterious origins (Minnesota, Texas, Illinois, and Oregon all have claims to ground zero), the fact that this deep-fried snack popped up in numerous locations across the country may be further evidence of the right place, right time circumstances that brought about the corn dog's initial popularity. Corn dogs still remain a savory treat amongst fairgrounds and school cafeterias, but evolutions on the humble recipe have lately contributed to a new surge in demand. Korean corn dogs are the latest take spreading across the States, one-upping the classic recipe with sumptuous cheesy fillings and numerous toppings. Some are even covered in Cheeto dust, a combination that reunites two creations made popular during wartime.

Geaux Tigers!