About the Author

Charles K. Hyde is professor emeritus of history at Wayne State University, USA. He is the author of Storied Independent Automakers: Nash, Hudson, and American Motors (Wayne State University Press, 2009), The Dodge Brothers: The Men, the Motor Cars, and the Legacy (Wayne State University Press, 2005), and Riding the Roller Coaster: A History of the Chrysler Corporation (Wayne State University Press, 2003).

Reviews

Arsenal of Democracy will surprise and educate those of us for whom Rosie the Riveter has always implied a smooth, patriotic, even happy transformation of industry in the nation's interests.--John W. Presley "Journal of American Culture"

Charles K. Hyde wrote the definitive history of Detroit's role [in World War II] . . .--Mark Phelan "Detroit Free Press"

Heavily researched and scrupulously presented... Extensive notes and an index round out this excellent addition to military and World War II history shelves.--James A. Cox "Midwest Book Review"

Hyde's well-researched volume will enlighten serious students of the war...--Donald Lateiner "Michigan War Studies Review"

Many people have written about war production in World War II, but Hyde stands among the few who teach us new things about how it worked.--Mark R. Wilson "Business History Review"

The book clearly shows the enormous impact of WWII and the auto industry's essential role. There would have been no victory without the arsenal. Summing up: Highly recommended.--C. J. Myers "Choice"

The American automobile industry's rapid conversion from civilian to military production was one of the keys to Allied victory in World War II. In retrospect that conversion appears smooth and seamless. Charles K. Hyde demonstrates that it was in fact fraught with many technical, political, and social challenges. Arsenal of Democracy is an engaging portrait of what was arguably the auto industry's 'finest hour.'--Robert Casey "retired curator of transportation, Henry Ford Museum"

This well-written book is one of the most important studies of industrial mobilization to appear in a long time. . . In addition to anyone interested in the history of industrial Michigan, this study should appeal to historians of technology, business, and the US war economy who have long waited for a comprehensive portrait of the automobile industry in World War II.--Thomas Heinrich, Baruch College, City University of New York "Michigan Historical Review"