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History in colour: Fascinating pictures show American preparations for World War 2 restored after 75 years

These fascinating images, fully restored into colour almost seventy-five years to the day after being originally taken, show how America carried out preparations for World War II.

The photos, which show volunteers helping to build ships, planes and artillery guns, were taken just a few months after America’s entry to the war following the bombing of Pearl Harbour in December 1941.

America was one of the biggest producers of arms during the war, but even before Pearl Harbour President Franklin Deleanor Roosevelt had authorised a huge increase in production, which included a doubling of the USA’s navy.

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Over the next four years, the US manufactured 102,410 tanks, 2,679,840 machine guns and 105,000 mortar rounds. They also produced 99,000 fighter jets, 97,000 bombers and 6,771 large ships, more than any other nation involved in the war effort.

Many of the pictures were taken at the Corpus Christi naval base in Texas. Created in 1941 in anticipation of the coming war, Corpus Christi would prove vital to the war effort, taking in an estimated 300 new recruits every month for the better part of four years.

By the time the war was over, it is estimated, more than 35,000 airmen had gained their ‘wings’ from the base.

Pictures: Mediadrumworld

Many of the pictures were taken at the Corpus Christi naval base in Texasm which was created in 1941 in anticipation of the coming war.

The Corpus Christi base would prove vital to the war effort, taking in an estimated 300 new recruits every month for the better part of four years.

Millions of volunteers such as the ones pictured were needed during the war effort, helping prepare the Americans to fight on both the Pacific and European fronts.

The US manufactured 102,410 tanks, 2,679,840 machine guns and 105,000 mortar rounds over four years.

American production increased drastically after the attack on Pearl Harbour, which killed 2,403 US personnel, including 68 civilians.

Even before Pearl Harbour President Franklin D Roosevelt had authorised a huge increase in arms production, which included a doubling of the USA’s navy.

By the time the war was over, it is estimated, more than 35,000 airmen had gained their ‘wings’ from the Corpus Christi base in Texas.