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Bessemer Process
Henry Bessemer invents a method of refining iron to produce cheap, quality steel. -
Edwin Drake
In the spring of 1858, Edwin Drake became the first person to drill oil in North America. -
John D Rockefeller
John D Rockefeller's oil corporation made him the richest man of all time. -
Christopher Sholes
Christopher Sholes invented the first typewriter. -
Transcontinental Railroad
On this day, the final spike for the Transcontinental Railroad was planted, enabling railway access from one end of the country to the other. -
Credit Mobilier Scandal
The Credit Mobilier car company sold stocks for cheap political favors. This was revealed and led to a scandal. -
Alexander Graham Bell
In 1876, the first historic telephone call was made by Bell, when he spilled battery acid while working on the device and called for his assistant Watson, who heard Bell's voice coming through the phone. The telephone remains one of the most common forms of communication today. -
Munn vs. Illinois
This lawsuit challenged the ability of the state to interfere with federal constitutions. -
Thomas Edison
In 1879, Thomas Edison created a working lightbulb. which soon became widespread throughout the country and is still in wide use over 130 years later. Two years earlier, in 1877, Edison had patented the phonograph. -
Mother Jones
She contributed to the creation of labor unions by joining various labor causes throughout her life. -
Haymarket Riot
In 1886 a bomb was dropped in Haymarket Square. The bomb killed 7 cops and ruined the image of the labor movement -
Interstate Commerce Act
Established first federal regularity commission -
Sherman Antitrust Act
First law regulating corporation and trust -
Homestead strike
On June 29 1892, workers at the Homestead steel plant in Homestead Pennsylvania went on strike. They were afraid of losing jobs, upset of pay cuts and did not want to lose their labor union. They seized the plant, and would lead to the improvements of American labor systems. -
Eugene Debs
Founded American Railway Union -
Pullman Strike
In the Pullman Strike there was a boycott by American Railway Union against Pullman Palace car company -
J.P. Morgan
He averted two economic crisises by using his own wealth to support himself -
Wright brothers
The Wright brothers flew the first aircraft from Kitty Hawk, ushering the era of flight. -
Lochner vs. NY decision
Potential of Supreme Court to interpret constitution -
Henry Ford
In 1916 Henry Ford introduced the first American automobile, making cars affordable to everyone.
