The American Fokkers
Introduction
With the armistice coming into effect on 11 November 1918, Anthony Fokker suddenly lost Germany as a customer for virtually his entire production.
Development of new models continued from the Netherlands, but Fokker had to look for new customers. And they were hard to find among the victors of the war.
During a visit in late 1920, he attempted to serve the market in the United States of America.
Fokker would also have discussed his assessment of the situation there with the father of his friend Frits Cremer, who had returned from America earlier that year as a Dutch ambassador.
And both the lag in aviation compared to Europe and the opportunities for air traffic there supported Fokker's vision.
He had already managed to sell a few aircraft through the American embassy in the Netherlands.
During the first period after his visit, aircraft were delivered to America in small numbers.
At the end of 1923 the time was ripe to establish a factory there, largely as a result of the great efforts of his representative in America, Robert BC Noorduyn.
But the breakthrough in America came a year and a half later. Fokker then demonstrated his new F.VII/3m in the 'Ford Reliability Tour' and from then on the company grew rapidly.
At various locations Fokker factories furnished and American designs were marketed.
American Fokker aircraft were world news for their ocean flights, but also served many American airlines.
However, a turning point came in 1929. Fokker couldn't resist the resistance of General Motors' substantial capital. This effectively led to his loss of control.
The final blow, however, came with the Wall Street crash, which plunged America into a recession.
In those market conditions it became clear that the Fokker company was not ready for the future.
After General Motors took full control, Fokker stepped down.
He regained the rights to his name and the company continued in a slimmed-down form under the General brand name.
The core of his old company was still transitioning to North American Aviation.
Anthony Fokker continued to live partly in America, but did not experience the heyday of the remains of his old company.
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