-
Eugene V. Debs
Eugene was elected to the Indiana State Assembly with broad support from Terre Haute’s workers and businessmen. Debs organized the American Railway Union, which lead the Pullman strike. -
Henry Bessemer Pattents the Bessemer Process
Henry Bessemer developed the Bessemer Converter to create steel directly from mined iron, called pig iron. This purifies the molten iron, using an oxidation processe along with the clay lining. -
Edwin Drake discovers new oil source
The over hunting of whales lead to a lack of oil needed for daily tasks, such as using an oil lamp. Drake found the site for the first commercial oil well. After years of sruggling with basic drilling and digging methods, Drake invented a tube method. An iron tube was driven into the ground, and then the drill worked inside the tube to prevent flooding. This method was sucessful, as it produced adequate oil daily. -
Christopher Sholes invents typewritter
Christopher Sholes, along with Carlos Glidden and Samuel W. Soules, applied for a pattent. These three inventors created the typewritter. Sholes is also responsible for the key board format, called QWERTY. -
Transcontinental Railroad is Finished
After seven years of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad Companies working to build the transcontinental railroad, the project was finished The railroad met at Promontory Summit, with pressure from Prside Ulysses S. Grant. -
Standard Oil is established
John D. Rockefeller established Sandard Oil from an Ohio refinery. Standard Oil went on to control 90 perecent of oil refinerys and pipeline. Rockefeller became one of the wealthiest men in the world, and he bout the iconic Rockefeller Square in New York. -
Period: to
Credit Mobilier scandal
The Credit Mobilier, made uf Union Pacific Railroad stockholders, sold shares to congressmen. This unlawful method of essentaily cutting corners to gain the most profit, cost Oakes Ames and James Brooks their reputations. -
Alexander Graham Bell creates the telephone
Bell's pattent for the telephone was passed. He discovered that by varrying electric currents mesages could be conveyed. The successes of the telephone allowed Bell to explore his other incrediable ideas, leading to many inovative innventions. -
Munn v. Illinois
A Chicago warehouse firm known as Munn and Scott was found guilty in 1872 of violating the law. The Munn and Scott appealed the matter to the Illinois supreme court. After agreeing with the lower court, the trial moved to federal courts. The Court later upheld state efforts to regulate railroad rates. Critics bemoaned the growth of socialism in the country, -
Interstate Commerce Act
By public demand, this act was passed to regulate railroad operation, The act also established a five-member enforcement board known as the Interstate Commerce Commission. The privatley owned railroads were no longer irregular. -
Thomas Edison created the light bulb
Thomass Eddison was the fisrt inventor to create a commerical electric light bulb. Over time he continued to improve apon his orginal design. Later, a carbon filament strip was used that made the light bulb much more effective. -
Haymarket Riot
After a bomb was thrown at police, the labor protest near Chicago's haymarket turned into a riot. Seven police officers and a civilian were killed and at least ten were sentenced to imprisonment for collaborating in the bombing. -
Homestead Strike
In Homestead, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Steel Company was against Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers. This sparked years of the union of workers to fight for their rights. -
Sherman Antitrust Act
The Sherman Antitrust Act was the first measure passed by the U.S. Congress to prohibit trusts. This authorized the Federal Government to institute proceedings against trusts in order to dissolve them. -
Pullman Strike
George Mortimer Pullman, owner of Pullman Palace Car Company, treated his workers fairly. Durring the depression Pullman never altered his fees, although many workers were faced with great debt. American Railroad Union members took a stand and did not allow any trains including a Pullman car to move. Workers had already had a "wildcat" strike to express their feelings of being mistreated. This brought the laws and opinons on strikes to the surface, as federal troops took action on strikers. -
J.P. Morgan & Company
Morgan was well known as a banker who helped to organize major corporations like U.S. Steel and General Electric. J.P. Morgan & Company was the combination of Morgan with Anthony Drexel. He worked to stabalize America's financial markets, but was often accused of abusing his power for personal benefit. -
Quadricycle is invented
Henry Ford develped the Quadricycle, or a four wheeled automobile with a four-horsepower gasoline engine and a light metal frame. Ford worked in many different companies that went on to be successful, such as Cadillac Motor Car Company. Investors supported Fords development of the Model T and creation of Ford Motor Company. -
Mother Jones
Mary Harris Jones, known as Mother Jones worked for workers' rights. She spoke at union gatherings to voice her opinion on the rights of workers, and theabuse they suffer. Jones was also a strong advocate in allowing woman to get jobs. -
Wright Brothers successfully fly a plane
Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first powered, sustained and controlled airplane flight. The movable rudder was the key to the 59 second 823 foot flight. Later, they built the first practical airplane. -
New York Law found unconstitutional
In the case of Lochner v. NY Decision the Supreme Court ruled that a New York law setting maximum working hours for bakers was unconstitutional. This led to the abrogation of many progressive era and Great Depression laws regulating working conditions.
