Preparing for the Next War: The Industrial Mobilization Plans & Their Impact on World War II
World War I was one of the most destructive conflicts in human history, claiming the lives of over 8.5 million troops, with 21 million wounded, and over 7.5 million imprisoned or captured. [1] This conflict saw drastic changes in technology, munitions, and tactics, which increased the casualty count. The war ended with an Armistice, which famously took effect at the 11 th minute of the 11 th hour of the 11 th month of 1918. [2] Following the war, the United States began analyzing its part in it and debating preparation for a future war. Congress sought to remedy what many considered a lack of preparation for America’s involvement in World War I, starting with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1920. This act included plans for procurement for a future war, noting the responsibility of the Assistant Secretary of War for the “…supervision of the procurement of all military supplies and other business of the War Department pe...