America in the war
40b - evaluate the importance of Bell Aircraft, military bases, Savannah and Brunswick shipyards, Richard Russell and Carl Vinson
Bell Aircraft
The Bell Aircraft Company, which was located in Marietta, Georgia, made B-29 bombers that made around 668 planes from 1943 and 1945. It was the largest facility in the South. The planes were made for long distance bombings that were usually situated in Europe. By 1943 fall, 20,000 workers worked at the company. Savannah/ Brunswick shipyards
The shipyards at Savannah and Brunswick were used to build naval vessels that was used by the army and navy. They were famous for building the Liberty Ships which were large supply ships that carried much needed materials to Europe. Carl Vinson
Carl Vinson is often referred to as the father of the 2 ocean navy. He represented Georgia in the U.S. House for 25 consecutive terms from 1914-1965. He was chairman for the House Naval Affairs Committee for 16 years. He represented GA’s military interest by doing committee work. He influenced and promoted a strong national defense. 2 years before Pearl Harbor, he put 2 bills through Congress; The naval aviation system was expanded to 10,000 planes, trained 16,000 pilots, and 20,000 air bases were established, whereas the next bill made labor restrictions be eased in the industry of shipbuilding and navy ships were made faster. He also sponsored legislation which created the U.S. Army Air Force. He also drove for a Apacific Naval Fleet. He got the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Johnson in 1964. After he left Congress, he went to his farm in Milledgeville. America’s third nuclear carrier was named after him by President Nixon, and Vinson died 9 years after that. |
Military Bases
Fort Benning was the largest infantry training camp in the world. Camp Gordon, Fort Stewart, and Hunter Air Field in Savannah helped improve Georgia's economy. Warner Robbins Air Field in Macon trained aircraft mechanics and fixed damaged aircraft. Cobb County Airport became the Marietta Army Airfield in 1943. Richard Russell
Richard Russell was an American politician and senator. He was part of the Democratic party. He was committed to the preparedness of America's military during WW2. In the Senate, he helped build America's military strength. |