How Did America Build the Arsenal of Democracy? (with Brian Potter)

Podcast: EconTalk (LS 69 · TOP 0.05% what is this?)Episode: How Did America Build the Arsenal of Democracy? (with Brian Potter)Pub date: 2025-09-15Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationAmerican manufacturing of aircraft during WWII dwarfed that of its enemies. By the end of the war, an American assembly line was producing a B-24 bomber in less than an hour. But that success was far from inevitable. Structural engineer and writer Brian Potter speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the logistical challenges of ramping up production from virtually nothing, and the incredible balance of precision and improvisation required to respond to constantly changing aircraft designs. They also discuss the limits of industrial mobilization, why early preparation proved so critical, the role of women in the production process, and what lessons this experience can offer today's debates about supply chains and defense readiness.The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Russ Roberts, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.