top of page

Out of nothing but the government’s desperation, a few bold men conjured a giant ship-building industry in 1940 and launched the ships that took America to war and to victory.

 

In 1940, the shadow of war loomed large over American life. President Roosevelt understood that it wasn’t a matter of if the United States would be pulled into battle, but when. He foresaw a “new kind of war,” one that hinged on efforts at home. Long before the attack on Pearl Harbor, German U-boats were relentlessly attacking American vessels, prompting Roosevelt to launch a monumental ship-building campaign. He knew that no matter how much weaponry and how many tanks, planes and trucks America built, the “Arsenal of Democracy” would be useless unless it could be brought in massive volume, and at breakneck speed, to troops fighting overseas.

 

Launching Liberty tells the remarkable story of how FDR partnered with private businessmen to begin the production of cargo freighters longer than a football field—ships he affectionately dubbed “ugly ducklings.” These colossal Liberty Ships took over six months to build at the start of his $350 million emergency shipbuilding program, far too long. The government turned to Henry Kaiser, the man who had delivered the Boulder Dam ahead of schedule and under budget, but had never built a ship in his life. Kaiser established a network of shipyards from coast to coast and recruited tens of thousands of workers eager to contribute to the war effort. Many, particularly African Americans and women, traveled from some of the most downtrodden, rural parts of the nation to help their country and to find a better life of greater equality.

 

As German U-boats maintained their pace of attack, Roosevelt and Kaiser initiated a bold, nationwide competition among shipyards to see who could construct ships the fastest. Driven by duty and the thrill of innovation, workers reduced the shipbuilding timeline from months to weeks and then to days. Launching Liberty is a tapestry of voices reflecting the diverse American experience of World War II. From the halls of the White House to the cramped quarters of half-finished cargo ships, we hear from naval architects, welders, nurses, engineers, daycare providers, and mothers balancing family life with the demands of wartime economy. This book uncovers the inspiring, untold stories of those who rose to the challenge during one of America’s most tumultuous times.

Launching Liberty

Launching Liberty by Doug Most - Book Cover
Now Available at the Following Retailers:

What Readers are Saying

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“Never have I read a book so compelling. I was riveted!”

– Jonathan Burth

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“I loved this book. I read it in three days, and looked forward 
to getting back to it each day. 
This is the type of story and book I truly like to read.”

– Stephanie Stevens

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“You won’t be sorry you bought this book!”

– Jen Lopez

All Books by Doug Most

Launching Liberty by Doug Most - Book Cover
Launching Liberty

Out of nothing but the government’s desperation, a few bold men created an unprecedented shipbuilding industry in 1941 and, on the backs of thousands of patriotic shipbuilders, built a fleet of giant steel cargo ships that carried America to war—and to victory.

NEW RELEASE

The Race Underground by Doug Most - Book Cover
The Race Underground

In the late 1800s, as cities like Boston and New York grew more congested, their streets became clogged with plodding, horse-drawn carts and pedestrians cried out for help. When the Blizzard of 1888 crippled the northeast, a transportation solution had to be found. America's subways were born.

Always in our Hearts by Doug Most - Book Cover
Always in Our Hearts

The true story of a pair of affluent high school sweethearts from New Jersey who hid their pregnancy from their parents, delivered their baby in secret in a motel room, and disposed of the tiny body like a bag of trash. It was a murder trial that shocked the nation. 

Stay in the loop

By clicking "Sign Up", I acknowledge that I understand that Doug Most collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

Thank You!

bottom of page