Synopses & Reviews
In the 1940s, the name Henry J. Kaiser was magic. Based on the success of his shipyards, Kaiser was hailed by the national media as the force behind a 'can-do' production miracle and credited by the American public with doing more to help President Roosevelt win World War II than any other civilian. Kaiser also built an empire in construction, cement, magnesium, steel, and aluminumall based on government contracts, government loans, and changes in government regulations.
In this book, Stephen Adams offers Kaiser's story as the first detailed case study of 'government entrepreneurship.' Taking a fresh look at the birth of modern business-government relations, he explores the symbiotic connection forged between FDR and Kaiser. Adams shows that while Kaiser capitalized on opportunities provided by the growth of the federal government, FDR found in Kaiser an industrial partner whose enterprises embodied New Deal goals. The result of a confluence of administration policy and entrepreneurial zeal, Kaiser's dramatic rise illustrates the important role of governmental relations in American entrepreneurial success.
Review
Adams has written an important book. He probed in depth issues that others, myself included, passed over lightly.
Journal of American History
Review
[Adams] approaches Kaiser from a fresh angle.
Technology and Culture
Review
Adams has written an important book. He probed in depth issues that others, myself included, passed over lightly.
Journal of American History
Review
Adams's study is an exceptionally valuable addition to the history of American business and of the New Deal.
Diana Davids Olien, University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Review
Adams does an excellent job of recounting the history of Kaiser's economic rise.
Naomi R. Lamoreaux, University of California, Los Angeles
Review
[T]his fascinating book provides an excellent introduction to government-business relations [duing this period].
Choice
About the Author
Stephen B. Adams received his Ph.D. in history from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently at work on a history of the Western Electric Company.
Table of Contents
[Adams] approaches Kaiser from a fresh angle.
Technology & Culture Adams has written an important book. He probed in depth issues that others, myself included, passed over lightly.
Journal of American History [T]his fascinating book provides an excellent introduction to government-business relations [duing this period].
Choice Adams's study is an exceptionally valuable addition to the history of American business and of the New Deal.
Diana Davids Olien, University of Texas of the Permian Basin Adams does an excellent job of recounting the history of Kaiser's economic rise.
Naomi R. Lamoreaux, University of California, Los Angeles