As the United States began its rapid entry into the Industrial Era, it became quickly apparent that certain industries needed government regulation. The purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was to provide regulation over the burgeoning railroad industry. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States began to experience the effects […]
The Purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 Read More »
If you landed on this article you are likely searching for the causes of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Much of the historical literature of the Great Depression era focuses on the widespread economic devastation that engulfed the nation. The dust storms that swallowed the plains during the 1930s are typically featured as
3 Causes of the Dust Bowl in the Great Depression Read More »
One of the biggest construction projects with 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 II
The Significance of the Interstate Highway Act of 1956 Read More »
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
Harnessing Nature’s Force: Hoover Dam’s Remarkable History Read More »
The cotton gin was an invention at the end of the 18th century that drastically affected and impacted the institution of slavery as well as 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
How the Cotton Gin Affected Slavery (Impact + Effects) Read More »
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 eventually met its demise, though the breakup of Standard Oil still has a lasting effect on the modern world.
Examining the Breakup of Standard Oil (with Chart) Read More »
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 many different regions of the world domesticated plants and animals independently. That is, crops were not
Timeline of The Domestication of Plants and Animals Read More »
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. The U.S. debt to GDP ratio
U.S. National Debt to GDP Ratio by Year (1929-2022) Read More »
At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century Japan experienced an incredible transformation. During a period known as the Meiji Restoration, the island nation transformed from a feudal society to an imperial power with drastic economic effects across a thirty year period. Since 1600 the island of Japan was ruled by
In 1923, Germany experienced one of the worst cases of hyperinflation in modern history. By the end of the year, the German mark was worth practically nothing as the currency spiraled out of control. Between 1921-1923 the value of the German mark plummeted, leading to catastrophic consequences for the country’s economy and society. In a
German Hyperinflation: How Much Was a Mark Worth in 1923? Read More »
