Muckrakers : A Biographical Dictionary of Writers and Editors (Paperback)

During the 1800s, the United States progressed at a remarkable rate.

Commerce gave rise to regional specialization and contributed to the growth of cities.

By 1860 the nation had prospered to the extent that it no longer depended on Europe to purchase its goods.

Innovations in technology helped increase production, especially in textiles, and transportation projects helped reduce costs of certain products.