Archive of Analyses
A comprehensive collection of research on the figures, industries, and innovations that shaped America.
Explore the Archive
Use the filters below to browse articles by topic or key figure. All content is fully searchable.
Recent Publications
Carnegie and Vertical Integration
An analysis of the methods used to control every stage of steel production, from raw materials to distribution.
The Telegraph and Market Speed
Examining how the advent of instantaneous communication transformed corporate operations and financial markets.
Morgan and the Panic of 1907
A detailed account of the intervention by banking magnates to stabilize the financial system, and the subsequent regulatory response.
Urbanization and the Factory System
This piece explores the profound demographic shifts and development of industrial cities during the late 19th century.
Ford and the Assembly Line
Beyond the innovation itself, this analysis inspects the assembly line's impact on labor, production scale, and consumer culture.
Edison, Westinghouse, and the 'War of Currents'
A look at the technical, business, and public relations battle over the adoption of AC versus DC electrical systems.
Deep Dive: The Transcontinental Railroad's Legacy
Our featured long-read explores the monumental undertaking of connecting the nation by rail. It delves into the immense logistical challenges, the corporate entities involved—the Union Pacific and Central Pacific—and the profound, lasting impact on commerce, settlement of the West, and federal land policy.
The analysis draws from company ledgers, congressional records, and personal correspondence to paint a detailed picture of one of America's greatest infrastructural achievements and the complex forces behind it.
Interviews with Historians
Hear from leading experts as they discuss their research and provide perspective on the industrial era.
Explore by Topic
Our archive is categorized to facilitate focused research on specific sectors and themes.