Discover how American factories powered World War I and reshaped a nation’s economy for total war.
This detailed study examines the United States’ shift from neutrality to a full wartime economy in 1917–1918. It shows how industry, government, and the military coordinated to deliver vast quantities of weapons, ships, and materials to the Allies, while building a home front capable of sustaining such a effort.
From the creation of key agencies to the daily realities of production, the book reveals the challenges, compromises, and strategic decisions that turned American industry into a decisive force. It emphasizes preparedness, prioritization, and the balancing act between supporting allies and meeting national needs.
- How the War Industries Board and allied commissions directed manufacturing and procurement.
- How industry was mobilized across sectors, from munitions to railroads and ships.
- How pricing, priorities, and policy shaped production and supply chains.
- How early wartime lessons influenced later industrial and military organization.
Ideal for readers of military history and economic mobilization, this edition offers a clear narrative of the U.S. transformation into a war-making nation.