We must be the great arsenal
of democracy.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1940
 Even before the United States entered World War II,
Michigan was producing weapons and supplies for the countries fighting
against Germany and Japan.
As the war continued, Michigan threw all its resources
into the war effort. Many industries converted completely to production
of war matériel.
More women, African Americans and older workers
entered the workforce. Life on the home front changed as rationing was
introduced and factories worked nonstop.
Michigan stressed civil defense because its location
and strategic role in production made it vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Learn more about Michigan and World War II. Click
in the left column (or below) to visit exhibits in the Michigan Historical Museum's
Arsenal of Democracy gallery. |
