How did world war ii change the role of corporations in american life? u. s. corporations became friendly and close collaborators with the federal government. with the loss of its overseas affiliates in asia and europe, u. s. corporations once again became predominantly american. technological innovation and high productivity in the war effort restored the reputation of corporations from its depression lows. the heavy reliance of the roosevelt administration on corporate leaders for its wartime agencies left u. s. corporations with the stain of government bureaucracy. thin profits during the war years forced u. s. corporations to dramatically innovate for increased efficiency.