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The Arsenal of Democracy: Fdr, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War by A.J. Baime
dale_kooyenga's review against another edition
5.0
This was an outstanding book. The book tells the behind the scenes story of Ford's efforts to assist the (WWII) war effort despite Henry Fords staunch pacifisms and hatred of Roosevelt. The book provides a great reminder of the importance of industrial capacity, a national attribute often not considered as a part of a key component of nation's defense, but should be. This was why I deviated from my typical free market centered approach and came to see the importance of Foxconn's wish to establish a US/WI presence. It's also why the last National Defense Authorization Act provides incentives to manufacture semi-conductors in the US. Way too many of our essential technologies, that enable our national defense, are solely manufactured in nations that don't share our values (China).
There are smaller stories within this book. In particular, the internal politics of Ford are fascinating. The Godfather like material. The book also offers interest stories about (arguably) the most interest man of the 20th century, Charles Lindberg who worked for Ford during this time.
Proud to be an American, an American that has only owned Fords!
There are smaller stories within this book. In particular, the internal politics of Ford are fascinating. The Godfather like material. The book also offers interest stories about (arguably) the most interest man of the 20th century, Charles Lindberg who worked for Ford during this time.
Proud to be an American, an American that has only owned Fords!
leslielu67's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting history, poorly executed. Author likes to end each chapter with a sensational or leading sentence; it gets old, especially when not followed up. How WERE all those workers at Willow Run eventually housed? He also glosses over the experience of African-American workers; I know that's not the subject of this book, but a paragraph would have been sufficient: assigned to the worst and most dangerous jobs, first to be let go, no benefits, etc. I already knew Henry Ford was an a&&hole; this book confirms in detail.
jenndanblake's review against another edition
4.0
This book started slow, but grabbed my attention about half way through. The beginning seemed to jump by theme rather than chronologically, which my inner historian really struggled with, however it switched to more chronological order once the background was established. Well written and well researched with the last 25% of the book containing the notes and index.
zbaby95's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating read. The author does an incredible job of weaving complex historical events into a seamless tapestry. It read more like a novel while still adding key historical events and highlighting the automotive industry's critical role in the Axis' victory during WWII.
liberrydude's review against another edition
3.0
When I think of the Arsenal of Democracy I think of the nation as a whole but this book is focused exclusively on the Ford family and Detroit. It's an informative read and you learn just how much of a jerk Henry Ford was. He no doubt pushed his son, Edsel, into an early grave with his capricious whims and petty feuds with just about any rational or reasonable person. This is a readahead copy(book not due out until June) and it had blanks for some of the figures and some startling errors : referring to Truman as a senator from Kansas, calling Lindbergh a trader instead of a traitor, and imposing Marshall Law not martial law. And it's a book about the B-24 Liberator as well. It covers a lot of ground to include the race riots, union riots, and social changes effected by the war and industrialization. If there is a hero in this book it's Edsel Ford who was a model of tact and perseverance in dealing with a mercurial father who would not relinquish control. So many times Edsel would make a commitment and then have his dad completely abrogate the deal. It's surprising that Ford was able to eventually produce a bomber every hour given all the challenges. It took time and there was some disappointment it took so long. There was the expectation of immediate results or conforming to a plan and when it didn't happen it almost led to the government taking over Ford. Hoping the book when it's released has some photographs of the players and the facilities. After reading this book you can only be filled with some sadness as to what has become of Detroit. Detroit saved this country during World War II but no one wants to save Detroit now.
rob503's review against another edition
4.0
Quality book but reads more like a history of Ford Motor Company and it’s issues during the 1940s with a war as backdrop. The author would have you believe that Ford itself was the Arsenal of Democracy and the rest of American industry took a back seat to the Ford’s B24 production.
smemmott's review against another edition
3.0
The subtitle is a little misleading. The story of the transformation of the Detroit auto industry to the arsenal of democracy is told not through the perspectives of FDR and Detroit in general, but instead with a focus on Ford (the company) and the Fords: Henry, Edsel, and Henry II. Still worth reading for the local interest.
mrreader's review against another edition
5.0
An amazing book, weaving together the events of WWII with the challenges America faced to arm itself and its allies.
I found the back story of the struggles in the Ford, family / company and social dilemmas Detroit faced fascinating.
A. J Baime moves the story along with the feel of a novel. Yet, he conveys facts, figures and data that would have dragged the story down, had it been written differently.
When I read Masters of the Air, the story of the bomber mission from the earliest days through the war, I was moved by the heroic efforts of these men.
The Arsenal of Democracy moved me in much the same way, regarding the efforts of so many at home.
I found the back story of the struggles in the Ford, family / company and social dilemmas Detroit faced fascinating.
A. J Baime moves the story along with the feel of a novel. Yet, he conveys facts, figures and data that would have dragged the story down, had it been written differently.
When I read Masters of the Air, the story of the bomber mission from the earliest days through the war, I was moved by the heroic efforts of these men.
The Arsenal of Democracy moved me in much the same way, regarding the efforts of so many at home.
mjex19's review against another edition
4.0
What a glorious American tale of capitalism, patriotism and so many other -isms.