More Water, More Hydrants

Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century by Michael Hiltzik.

- The Hoover Dam, completed during the Great Depression, is portrayed as a symbol of American resilience and ingenuity. The project not only provided jobs for thousands during a time of economic hardship but also showcased the nation's ability to undertake and complete monumental engineering feats.

- Hiltzik provides a detailed account of the technical challenges and innovations in constructing the dam. This includes the design and execution of the massive concrete structure, the diversion of the Colorado River, and the implementation of safety measures for workers.

- The book highlights the experiences of workers who faced gruelling and often dangerous conditions. It discusses the establishment of Boulder City to house the workforce and the social dynamics within the community. The narrative also touches on labour issues and the efforts to unionise.

- Key political figures played significant roles in the project. Theodore Roosevelt initially conceived the idea, while Herbert Hoover, after whom the dam was named, and Franklin D. Roosevelt influenced its progression and completion. The book delves into the political battles and administrative decisions that shaped the dam's construction.

- The completion of the Hoover Dam facilitated the development of major western cities by providing essential water and power resources. Hiltzik also explores the environmental impacts, such as changes to the Colorado River ecosystem and the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region.

- The book does not shy away from the darker aspects of the project, including the exploitation of the workforce, the health hazards they faced, and the broader social and environmental costs.