Abstract:
The South has always been supportive of the military since the founding of our country, and southern cities have benefited economically from this relationship since the end of World War II. This relationship has evolved so that many Southern cities have become dependent on the military and defense industries for their livelihood. A hypothetical scenario in which the military and defense industries closed bases and defense production facilities would show the real economic impact. This article examines various southern examples such as Jacksonville and Fayetteville, NC and Hampton Roads, VA to understand the outcome of potential demilitarization on certain communities.