Chapter 4: The American War Machine Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4: The American War Machine

America had proved its militaristic capabilities ten-fold in WWII. Thought to be soft, the Americans came alive after Pearl Harbor and was the only nation able to support and finance two major war fronts simultaneously. However, America's contribution was ultimately magnified—American soldiers were the best, their arms and artillery were the best, they won the war for the world! Other myths about the era were that most young men were at war. Only 50 percent of soldiers saw actual battle and that most women worked where nine out of ten young mothers did not work outside the home. American production, while impressive, was initially not superior to that of Germany. When WWII began, America could equip only a third of its army. Detroit was uncooperative, more concerned...