War as a Stimulus to American Industry

Extract

In the history of America, war has proved a powerful stimulus to industry. Naturally, hostilities will bring forth increased activity in most branches of trade, which enhancement of activity lasts only during the persistence of the war stimulus. However, there have been a few industries in each major war that have been permanently advanced. A survey of the diversified collections in the Society's possession calls to mind certain industries that normal development would have caused to bloom at a much later date and others that might never have been developed had it not been for the exciting influence of war.