ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the differences between the Britain and Norway, almost all of which can be attributed to military activity in St. Mary's County and the lack of military activity in Somerset County. In Maryland in 1940, St. Mary's County and Somerset County were undeveloped areas in spite of their proximity to Washington and Baltimore. The chapter examines the social changes caused by a large American naval base located in a rural community. The social impact of military growth in St. Mary's County confirms Heraclitus' dictum about war as a force generating social change in every possible way. The land value system of St. Mary's County was changed dramatically by the shift from agriculture and fishing to military use and middle-class housing, and land values changed dramatically. Beyond selling and developing land, a significant economic boost to the local elite came in the form of a captive customer base for retail trade.
