Factory workers assemble weapons and military-tanks in 1940.

In 1940, FDR set ambitious production goals for 50,000 aircraft, leading to a surge in American manufacturing of military equipment like shells, guns, ships, and tanks. Critics argued that FDR was addressing unemployment by creating a war-driven economy.

How did the American assembly lines contribute to the war effort?

What was the nature of the 'emergency' that critics accused FDR of creating?