From September 1934 to February 1936, the Nye Committee held 93 hearings and questioned more than 200 witnesses. The Nye Committee found ample evidence that the armaments industry profited handsomely from World War I, though it found little support for the theory that the industry had conspired to draw the nation into war.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
S. Res. 206, Resolution . . . to make certain investigations concerning the manufacture and sale of arms and other war munitions (Nye Committee), March 28, 1934
The Nye Committee
During the 1920s and 1930s, a number of authors, high-ranking officials, members of Congress, and pacifist groups claimed profit-hungry arms manufacturers had unduly influenced America’s decision to enter World War I. As conflicts in Europe recurred in the 1930s, some Americans grew concerned that arms manufacturers might pressure the United States to enter another conflict overseas. The Senate created a special committee in 1934 to investigate the sale of munitions in World War I, known as the Nye Committee, after its chairman Senator Gerald P. Nye of North Dakota.
We are very anxious that you investigate the Armament Business, we know too much about the futility of the last war, and will never support another.
Miss Mabel Harman, Mrs. Martha Harman, and Mrs. Charles Bachman, Postcard to Senator Gerald P. Nye of North Dakota, March 1, 1934
From September 1934 to February 1936, the Nye Committee held 93 hearings and questioned more than 200 witnesses. The Nye Committee found ample evidence that the armaments industry profited handsomely from World War I, though it found little support for the theory that the industry had conspired to draw the nation into war.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
