"Warning that the country was facing a dangerous emergency that 'may be very prolonged.' Secretary of War Stimson keynoted the urgency of the preparedness drive by painting a vivid contrast between 1917 - 1918 and today. During the last war, he said, America armed in 'comparative leisure' behind the protection of a stabilized front in France and unchallenged Allied sea control. Moreover, this country bought most of its heavy weapons from Britain and France. By contrast, he pointed out, the United States must now not only produce for itself every one of complex weapons needed in modern warfare but also supply huge quantities of armaments to Britain and other democracies."
