The experts make predictions at the beginning of the year only to become bewildered as the market smashes through their targets to much higher levels. Politicians point to the stock market's rise as confirmation of the wisdom of their policies. On Wall Street, economists and analysts are left with the task of explaining the gold rush in the financial markets. It is hard to believe that less than one hundred years ago, the landscape of America was rural. In the nineteenth century, America was unified by the technology of transportation.
Railroads criss-crossed our continent, making travel between the east and west coasts a reality.
The infrastructure was being laid, along with the tracks, for the U.S. to begin the twentieth century as an emerging industrial giant. The railroad, the steam engine and the telegraph were setting the stage for transforming the country from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse. For politicians it is a good time to be in office. The economy is growing at rates not seen since the 50's and 60's. Everyone who wants to work can find a job.