Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has released a short documentary, “Arsenal of Democracy,” that highlights Chrysler’s contributions to the Allies in World War II.
The automaker allocated production resources to help build tanks, aircraft parts, guns, ammunition, rockets, bombs and other goods. The vehicles and goods were quickly put to use overseas before the US began fighting in the war.
The documentary coincides with the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Roosevelt’s initiative to take advantage of America’s mass-production prowess, inviting domestic automakers and other manufacturers to build and supply wartime equipment for the UK’s fight against Nazi Germany.
“Emphatically we must get these weapons to [European allies], get them to them in sufficient volume and quickly enough, so that we and our children will be saved the agony and suffering of war which others have had to endure,” Roosevelt said in one ‘arsenal of democracy’ speech.
Notably, Chrysler’s implements of war may have been used in battle against Axis vehicles and equipment built with help from Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo. The brands have since been absorbed into FCA, which now lists Italy’s Exor as its largest shareholder.
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