Final answer:
The statement about Bethlehem Steel producing a minimal amount of steel for shells is false. Bethlehem Steel was a major producer of steel and armaments for the U.S. during the World Wars. Unlike makeshift furnaces in China during the Great Leap Forward, Bethlehem Steel had significant industrial capacity for high-quality production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Bethlehem Steel produced a minimal amount of steel for shells is false. Bethlehem Steel was actually one of the largest shipbuilding companies and a major producer of steel and armaments for the United States during both World Wars. Their contribution was far from minimal, as they supplied large quantities of steel for the construction of warships and artillery shells, playing a pivotal role in the war effort.Historically, during times of war, different industries and even agricultural workers have been repurposed to meet the needs of wartime production. For instance, during the Great Leap Forward in China, the government mandated that farm laborers not only work their regular agricultural jobs but also contribute to steel production. This often resulted in poor quality steel, as described in the provided reference. However, unlike these ill-equipped backyard furnaces, Bethlehem Steel was an established industrial powerhouse capable of producing high-quality materials critical to military hardware.ConclusionTo conclude, Bethlehem Steel's role in manufacturing steel for wartime was substantial and far beyond minimal, marking them as a historical industrial giant during times of conflict.