Nationalize the Defense Industry

Nationalize the Defense Industry

In 1934, Sen. Gerald Nye set out to investigate the “merchants of death” who had cashed in on World War I. “When the Senate investigation is over,” he promised, “we shall see that war and preparation for war is not a matter of national honor and national defense, but a matter of profit for the few.” Nye never achieved his ultimate goal of nationalizing the defense industry, but over 18 months, his committee held 93 hearings that shifted public o…