I think it's more that cheap, low quality labor was not available for manufacturers at the time, whereas when it did become available they used it. The differen

I think it's more that cheap, low quality labor was not available for manufacturers at the time, whereas when it did become available they used it. The difference being that labor in the US is "high quality" in the sense that it is more regulated than what can be found elsewhere. So a cheap and bad option appeared on the market it was only from overseas, not domestic. It's not an issue of where it's made - just different qualities made available.