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Henry Bessemer patents 'The Bessemer Process' this year. First inexpensive steel production process.
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Edwin Drake strikes oil in Titusville, Pensylvania. This began an Black-Gold Rush. His drill style revolutionized Oil production and led to its use today.
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John D. Rockefeller started out as a clerk at a Cleveland, Ohio Merchant's Firm. During the Pennsylvania Oil Rush, Rockefeller worked on perfecting a no-waste oil refining process. Rockefeller, Andrews & Flagler became the largest, most efficent Oil refining company in the World.
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Christopher Sholes is issued a Patent for the typewriter, the first device that allows for easy typing and print.
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On this date, six years of work ended, connecting America's coasts and improving travel greatly.
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The Crédit Mobilier Scandal comes to light. Mobilier Executive Thomas Durant had come up with a fool-proof way to maximize illegal profits with no risk of arrest. The scam involved the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. The scandal came to light in 1872, revealing massive backlash from the public and Press, however no charges were filed on the investors in the Capital.
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Bell produces the first intelligilble speach on a telephone
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This year, the Supreme Court rules that states may regulate buisnesses if it is in the Public Interest. This was born out of a conflict with a 1871 regulation put in place controlling the price of grain, and the convivtion of the Munn & Scott Granary, and their appeal.
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In this year, Thomas Edison 'invents' the Lightbulb, only two years after his invention of the Phonograph and Sound recording.
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Begining this year, J.P. Morgan begins reorganizing the American Rail System. By 1900 he held major roles in nearly every industry.
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On May 3rd, 1886, Police in Chicago attempted to intimidate strikers attempting to secure an 8 hour workday. One protester was killed. The following day, protesters met peacefully in Haymarket Square. Police arrived, a bomb went off, and the police fired into the crowd. This event is key in early Labor Movements.
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In this year, Railroads become the first industry regulated by the government. This act regulated railroads until 1958, and protected the interests of the public.
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This year, the Sherman Antitrust Act is passed. This Act declared that Contracts hindering interstate or international commerce are illegal. This act was ammended in 1914.
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With the price of steel dropping in the early 1890s, wages were cut at Andrew Carnegie's Steel Mill in Homestead PA. Workers responded with a strike, that led to tension between them and management. On this date, a small army for hire landed near Homestead. The towns people responded, fighting a victourious battle that would cause the State Militia to come and end the Strike.
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A labor strike by the ARU members of the Pullman Company expands into riots. In three days, strikers cripple the American Railroad system. The Government sends troops into Illinois to end the strike at it's epicenter.
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Born in Ireland, Mary Harris 'Mother' Jones was a famous labor rights activist. She was an avid speaker, able to fire up crowds with ease.
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The Wright Brothers launch their 1902 glider. The first controllable aircraft, this paves the way for aircraft advances that would lead to the rise of commercial flight in the late 1940s.
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In this year, the Supreme Court overrules a NY labor law as unconstituional. It was later overturned during the Great Depression.
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The Model-T is released. Though not the first car (Other cars were bing produced by ford and other car giants such as Packard, Cadillac, Pontiac, etc..), The Model-T was the more what we would consider a car today, easy to handle, easy to steer, and easy maintenece.
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An outspoken Unionist, Eugene Debs was arrested for contempt in 1894 after leading the American Rail Union in confrontation with Federal Troops in the Pullman Strike. After his release, he became a popular member of the Socialist party. Debs ran in the 1912 presidential Election against Woodrow Wilson, President Taft, and former president Teddy Roosevelt. He was arrested for violation of the Espionage Act in 1918.
