Pittsburgh War Steel

As the United States was gearing up its industrial might to prepare the nation for war,

Pennsylvania Governor Arthur James, paraphrasing one of president Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s

better-known quips, proudly boasted that the Keystone State would become the “Arsenal of

America.” And indeed, the Commonwealth’s industries helped ensure Allied victory in World

War II. Pennsylvania’s key geographical position–the “Keystone State” nickname was aptly

earned during the Revolutionary War–ensured that the important role that the state would play in

the nation’s war effort.

Pennsylvania’s industrial potential, which had begun to emerge from the throes of the Depression

as a result of government financing of war-related industries, helped place the state in the

forefront of the nation’s burgeoning military-industrial might. Pennsylvania was a major

producer of both anthracite and bituminous coal. Pittsburgh’s legendary steel industry was

supplemented by the vast holdings of Bethlehem Steel, led by Eugene Grace.

During the course of World War II, Pennsylvania supplied 31 percent of America’s steel and

20 percent of worldwide production, a phenomenal accomplishment. The state was also the

country’s leading supplier of Portland cement. Though the state’s oil production had declined–

it had led the nation into the early 1900s–Pennsylvania produced the nation’s highest quality of

vital lubricating oil and its refineries churned out millions of gallons of 100-octane gasoline, a

necessity for modern aircraft engines. Agricultural production also rose, as farmers pitched in to

help the war effort. [Wikipedia]