FDR, Detroit, and the Epic Quest to Arm an America at War

A Riveting Account of the Birthplace of America's Arsenal of Democracy

In the tumultuous years leading up to and during World War II, the city of Detroit emerged as the unlikely hero in the United States' quest to become the "arsenal of democracy." FDR, Detroit, and An Epic Quest to Arm An America At War is a gripping and meticulously researched account of this extraordinary chapter in American history.

Detroit's Industrial Transformation

The Arsenal Of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War

by A. J. Baime

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	389 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

At the outbreak of the war, Detroit was a struggling industrial giant. Once a hub for automobile production, the city had been ravaged by the Great Depression. But with the advent of the war effort, Detroit's fortunes changed dramatically. The city's factories and workforce were swiftly converted to produce the weapons and equipment needed to support the Allied cause.

The Role of President Franklin D. Roosevelt

President Franklin D. Roosevelt played a pivotal role in Detroit's transformation. Recognizing the city's potential as an industrial powerhouse, Roosevelt invested heavily in its infrastructure and workforce. He also established the Detroit Arsenal, a massive government-owned facility that produced tanks, engines, and other vital war materiel.

The Legacy of Detroit's Arsenal of Democracy

Detroit's contribution to the war effort was unparalleled. The city produced a staggering amount of weapons and equipment, including:

• Over 27,000 aircraft
• More than 100,000 tanks
• Millions of bombs and artillery shells

The city's output proved to be a decisive factor in the Allied victory in World War II.

The Human Toll

While Detroit's role in the war was heroic, it came at a significant human cost. The city's factories were dangerous and often deadly. The workforce, comprised largely of African Americans and immigrants, faced discrimination and exploitation.

The Impact on Detroit

The war effort had a profound impact on Detroit's cityscape and social fabric. The city expanded rapidly, welcoming thousands of new workers from across the country. The construction of new factories and housing transformed neighborhoods, but also created environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Beyond the War

After the war, Detroit struggled to adjust to peacetime. The city's economy declined, and it faced social unrest. However, the legacy of Detroit's Arsenal of Democracy endures to this day. The city's industrial prowess and its role in the fight for freedom continue to inspire and motivate generations of Americans.

FDR, Detroit, and An Epic Quest to Arm An America At War is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of World War II, American industry, or the rise and fall of a great American city. This meticulously researched and engagingly written account captures the drama, sacrifice, and enduring impact of Detroit's role as the birthplace of America's arsenal of democracy.

The Arsenal Of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War

by A. J. Baime

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	389 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE