What was a liberty ship during WW2?

Answer 1

They got their name because, upon the christening of the SS Patrick Henry (one of the first of this type), President Roosevelt quoted the famous words of the early American Patriot, "Give me liberty or give me death." The name stuck, because Roosevelt said they were to ensure continued liberty in Europe.

They were built because there was a need for quick production of cargo steamships under the 'Lend-Lease Act' to provide materials to aid Britain in its fight against Germany. Because of the need for many ships in short time, they were built on a production line type system, with pre-fabbed sections. Over 2,000 cargo ships were built this way and for this purpose, and construction continued after America's involvement, to provide supplies for both Britain and US troops.

Since the German U-boats were sinking cargo ships, they were also built cheaply, and with little armor or armament. Some actually broke up in heavy seas because their construction was so hurried and materials were in short supply. Some are still in service in third world countries, but most became unseaworthy due to cheap materials and structurial deterioration.

Answer 2

The Liberty ships were cargo ships built in the United States during World War II. They were British in conception but adapted by the U.S.A., cheap and quick to build, and came to symbolize U.S. wartime industrial output. Based on vessels ordered by Britain to replace ships torpedoed by German U-boats, they were purchased for the U.S. fleet and for lend-lease provision to Britain. Eighteen American shipyards built 2,751 Liberties between 1941 and 1945, easily the largest number of ships produced to a single design

Answer 3

BEEEEG troop ships which transported our boys over the big pond to fight in Europa. Later, those BEEEEEG ships brought them back. :)