Entrepreneurs in History

Much of modern history has been influenced by entrepreneurs, who have capitalized on the opportunities created by the free-market system, [Page 149]democracy, the expanding and diversified population of the United States, and the acceleration of technological innovation that began with the Industrial Revolution. In particular, the 19th century—which also saw the rise of the industrial tycoons and the cattle barons, groups that intersect with but are not coequal with the entrepreneurs—saw a flourishing of business success stories unlike what had been seen in previous years. Technology plays a role here: New industries and new markets opened by the railroads created new opportunities. Additionally, over the course of the 19th century it became more possible and more common for businesses to operate at the national level: ...