An Illustrated Business History of the United States

Richard Vague – Pennsylvania’s secretary of banking and securities – provides a wonderfully illustrated history of business in the United States from the 1700s to today. Vague breaks US history into various eras, weaving military, political and social history throughout. His sidebars feature the economic contributions of women and people of color. Throughout, tables chart the growth and decline of industries and of America’s dynastic families.

United States’ Dominance

Starting in Virginia almost three centuries ago, real estate anchored America’s fortunes. Businessmen and landowners wrote the US Constitution, which addressed taxes, disputes and regulations.