4. The Liberty Ship
The Liberty ship is a symbol of US efficiency in industrial production during wartime. Used as cargo ships, these vessels were actually constructed with a simple design, at a low cost – all great factors for mass production. Initially, the British had this concept in mind, and this class of cargo ship was created to meet British orders for replacements after the German U-boats attacked their previous vessels. In high demand, over eighteen American shipyards successfully built 2,710 Liberty ships between the years 1941-1945, a staggering feat to say the least.
Constructed by the United States Maritime Commission in World War II, the Liberty ships were 441 feet long and 56 feet wide and nicknamed “ugly ducklings” by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It could carry over 9,000 tons of cargo, plus airplanes, tanks, and locomotives lashed to its deck. Moreover, 2,840 jeeps, 440 tanks, or 230 million rounds of rifle ammunition could also be carried using the Liberty.