About the book
An overview of the state of manufacturing in America—both past and present—and how this sector and the jobs it creates are essential to the American economy
“There's no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil.” —Bill Gates
In Made in the USA, Vaclav Smil powerfully rebuts the notion that manufacturing is a relic of predigital history and that the loss of American manufacturing is a desirable evolutionary step toward a pure service economy. Smil argues that no advanced economy can prosper without a strong, innovative manufacturing sector and the jobs it creates.
Smil explains how manufacturing became a fundamental force behind America’s economic, strategic, and social dominance. He describes American manufacturing’s rapid rise at the end of the nineteenth century, its consolidation and modernization between the two world wars, its role as an enabler of mass consumption after 1945, and its recent decline. Some economists argue that shipping low-value jobs overseas matters little because the high-value work remains in the United States. But, asks Smil, do we want a society that consists of a small population of workers doing high-value-added work and masses of unemployed?
Smil assesses various suggestions for solving America’s manufacturing crisis, including lowering corporate tax rates, promoting research and development, and improving public education. Will America act to preserve and reinvigorate its manufacturing? It is crucial to our social and economic well-being; but, Smil warns, the odds are no better than even.
Editions of Made in the USA
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780262019385
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262528351
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262316736
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262316743
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262316750
Read an Excerpt
An overview of the state of manufacturing in America—both past and present—and how this sector and the jobs it creates are essential to the American economy
“There's no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil.” —Bill Gates
In Made in the USA, Vaclav Smil powerfully rebuts the notion that manufacturing is a relic of predigital history and that the loss of American manufacturing is a desirable evolutionary step toward a pure service economy. Smil argues that no advanced economy can prosper without a strong, innovative manufacturing sector and the jobs it creates.
Smil explains how manufacturing became a fundamental force behind America’s economic, strategic, and social dominance. He describes American manufacturing’s rapid rise at the end of the nineteenth century, its consolidation and modernization between the two world wars, its role as an enabler of mass consumption after 1945, and its recent decline. Some economists argue that shipping low-value jobs overseas matters little because the high-value work remains in the United States. But, asks Smil, do we want a society that consists of a small population of workers doing high-value-added work and masses of unemployed?
Smil assesses various suggestions for solving America’s manufacturing crisis, including lowering corporate tax rates, promoting research and development, and improving public education. Will America act to preserve and reinvigorate its manufacturing? It is crucial to our social and economic well-being; but, Smil warns, the odds are no better than even.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Made in the USA about?
An overview of the state of manufacturing in America—both past and present—and how this sector and the jobs it creates are essential to the American economy
“There's no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil.” —Bill Gates
In Made in the USA, Vaclav Smil powerfully rebuts the notion that manufacturing is a relic of predigital history and that the loss of American manufacturing is a desirable evolutionary step toward a pure service economy. Smil argues that no advanced economy can prosper without a strong, innovative manufacturing sector and the jobs it creates.
Smil explains how manufacturing became a fundamental force behind America’s economic, strategic, and social dominance. He describes American manufacturing’s rapid rise at the end of the nineteenth century, its consolidation and modernization between the two world wars, its role as an enabler of mass consumption after 1945, and its recent decline. Some economists argue that shipping low-value jobs overseas matters little because the high-value work remains in the United States. But, asks Smil, do we want a society that consists of a small population of workers doing high-value-added work and masses of unemployed?
Smil assesses various suggestions for solving America’s manufacturing crisis, including lowering corporate tax rates, promoting research and development, and improving public education. Will America act to preserve and reinvigorate its manufacturing? It is crucial to our social and economic well-being; but, Smil warns, the odds are no better than even.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Made in the USA?
Economics, Finance, Business and Management > Industry and industrial studies > Manufacturing industries
Where can I read a sample of Made in the USA?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262019385
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Made in the USA?
Vaclav Smil
Who is the Publisher of the book Made in the USA?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Made in the USA is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780262019385) and paperback(ISBN 9780262528351) and ebook(ISBN 9780262316736) and ebook(ISBN 9780262316743) and ebook(ISBN 9780262316750)
Where can I buy Made in the USA online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Made in the USA from below
Where can I buy Made in the USA?