/ AmericanManufacturers,German Chemicals

Abstract

This chapter examines the introduction of Germany's synthetic organic chemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals, to the United States and their manufacturing between 1914 and 1918. It considers how American entrepreneurs seized the opportunities born of World War I to wrest chemical markets from the German industry not only for economic aspects but also as a sense of patriotism. It also discusses the strategies adopted by American manufacturers in their attempt to acquire expertise and establish a domestic synthetic organic chemicals industry, including the formation of the trade associations; the characteristics of the new American industry; and the challenges faced by the nascent industry in the manufacture of synthetic organic chemicals. In addition, the chapter looks at the American importers and subsidiaries for German chemical companies. Finally, it describes three U.S. companies that aspired to create large, vertically integrated operations in dyes and related synthetic organic chemicals before the end of the war: Federal Dyestuff & Chemical Corporation, National Aniline & Chemical Company, and E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company.