One of the biggest construction projects that had the most historical significance was the United States’ Interstate Highway Act of 1956. The bill played a monumental role in shaping the future of the US and transforming the national landscape. The Interstate Highway System had its origins in the woes of the Great Depression. World War …
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When looking at the history of the Hoover Dam, one must admire the incredible planning that went into its creation. The foresight of the project’s engineers and overseers to create a massive construction project that has stood the test of time is truly remarkable. The need for the Hoover Dam stems from the vast history …
The cotton gin was an invention at the end of the 18th century that had a drastic impact on the institution of slavery and the trajectory of the new United States nation. As early as the founding of the United States in 1776, there was a clear divide over the issue of slavery. The northern …
The history of the French fur trade dates back to as early as the 16th century. This was a time prior to any permanent European settlements north of Florida. The French were the first to initiate and recognize the value of North American fur, though the Dutch, English, and other nations soon followed. The trade …
In 1870 John D. Rockefeller co-founded the Standard Oil Company. The company (or “Standard” for short) would grow over the coming decades to be one of the largest businesses in the US at the time. It would eventually meet it demise, though the breakup of Standard Oil still has a lasting effect on the modern …
In order for humanity to transition from hunter gatherer groups to agricultural based societies the domestication of plants and animals was needed. The domestication of plants in particular is a fascinating topic. What most do not know is that plants were domesticated in many different regions of the world independently. That is, crops were not …
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In the aftermath of World War II, Europe was in ruins. After 6 years of war cities and industries across the continent were reduced to rubble from fighting and aerial bombings. Something needed to be done to return the countries back to their prewar levels. Enter the Marshall Plan. Named after former US General and …
In 1532 Francisco Pizarro and 167 other Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru. Their goal was simple: find enough wealth to never have to work again. Obtaining gold and silver could help accomplish that, but so too could overthrowing an empire. Just how much gold did the Incas have? It’s with that in mind that the …
One indicator that economists use to measure the relative health of an economy is the national debt to GDP ratio. If this ratio is within an ideal zone, a country is set for growth. However, if the ratio is above a certain level, a country could suffer negative effects. This chart shows the US National …
At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century Japan experienced an incredible transformation. In a span of roughly 30 years the island nation went from a feudal society to an imperial power during a period known as the Meiji Restoration. This chart shows just how much of a boost the Meiji …
Hyperinflation is defined as a very high and often accelerating rate of inflation. When a country experiences hyperinflation, the results are typically disastrous. This chart shows the hyperinflation of the German Mark in 1923. Some inflation is typically the sign of a healthy economy. Inflation signals a rise in the general cost of goods in …
With World War II ramping up by the fall of 1942, minor league baseball teams were closing shop. Many young men were being drafted for the war effort, lowering the number of quality players available. Seeking to fill the gap, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) was founded in 1943. This chart shows the …
