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The Bessemer Process is developed, one of the first inexpensive ways to mass produce steel. It revolutionizes the industry. Edgar Thomas Works in Braddock brings this process to Pittsburgh in the 1870s.
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The Civil War begins. Pittsburgh's economy is boosted by increased production of iron and armaments, By the war's end, over one-half of the steel in the USA is produced in Pittsburgh.
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By 1889, Andrew Carnegie's Steel Industry (based mostly in Pittsb urgh) becomes the largest manufacturer of pig iron, steel rails, and coke in the world.
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Carnegie sells his entire industry, which is later formed into the US Steel Corporation. Carnegie, now one of the richest men alive, devotes the rest of his life to public service and philanthropy.
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt coins the term "Arsenal of Democracy." Even though the USA was not in WWII yet, FDR promised to supply the United Kingdom. Eventually the USA does join the war and by the end of the war, Pittsburgh will have manufactured more steel for the Allies than any other steel-producing hub in the world. 95 MILLION TONS of steel, over 1/5th of the steel produced world wide, comes from Pittsburgh mills for the Allied cause.
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Though rich and prosperous, Pittsburgh is something of a mess of a city with rampant pollution and poor urban planning. Mayor David L, Lawerence begin a series of urban renewal projects to improve the city's livability. This series of reforms is known as Reaissance I.
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Between decreased demand for steel and the sudden emergence of foreign steel production, the American steel industry goes into a decline. Pittsburgh is obviously effected by this. Thus begins a long period of Pittsburgh trying to reinvent itself. While devastating to the local economy, this does improve the enviornment greatly.
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Throughout the 80s, the Steel industry continues to decline and Pittsburgh continues to reinvent itself. Meanwhile, another urban revival project (Renassiance II) is launched, creating landmarks such as PPG Place
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After a 20+ year period away from the top spot, Pittsburgh is named the most liveable city in America by the "Places Rated Almanac". While Pittsburgh never dropped out of the Top 20 since the Almanac began publishing in 1981, many see this as the definitive statement that Pittsburgh had completed its evolution from the smog industrial town it once was.
