Original Title/Caption: “Switching over to war production. Steel workers make structural changes as a big automobile plant is entirely converted to volume production of army tanks and 'jeeps.' Ford Lincoln plant, Michigan.”
Description: In this black and white photograph, two steel workers remodel the inside of Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln Plant. One worker holds two steel connected steel beams, while the other worker uses a welding torch on another steel beam. Both workers wear hats and gloves. While the face of the worker holding the steel beams is not visible, the other worker wears goggles. In the background of the photograph, one sees rubble and debris from the conversion of the factory from automobile production to military tank and jeep production. This photograph was taken in February 1942 by Alfred T. Palmer.
Source: Palmer, Alfred T., photographer. “Switching over to war production. Steel workers make structural changes as a big automobile plant is entirely converted to volume production of army tanks and ‘jeeps.’ Ford Lincoln plant, Michigan.” Photograph, 1942. From Library of Congress: Farm Security Administration – Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Call number LC-USE6- D-003743. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8b02654 (accessed March 20, 2007).
Historical discussion: During World War II, the U.S. economy underwent dramatic changes. The production needs of the war moved the U.S. economy from the economic hardships and mass unemployment of the Great Depression of the 1930s to new industrial and economic problems—labor shortages and the need to “convert” factories that produced consumer goods to war production plants.
indicates an external link 
