America was founded as an agricultural nation by a corporate Europe. England didn’t have the land available to produce large quantities of agricultural goods; also, the American colonies were able to grow and manufacture products unavailable in Europe. The true history of corporate America follows right along with American independence. When the revolution was fought, it was as much a struggle and a revolt against British corporations running life in America as it was a struggle and a revolt against King George and British rule.

Industrial Revolution

About the same time that America was seeking its independence, Europe was entering what was to be known as the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution began around 1750 when machinery began to replace manual labor. Through the 18th and 19th centuries, inventions continued to improve the machinery used to increase work and agricultural production.

After the Civil War

During the early years of American society, there were few corporations. There was still a negative connotation attached to corporations and the relationship to Europe, particularly England. Corporations were kept invisible. Businessmen were kept separate from their companies. However, with so many of the inventions that revolutionized the workforce and society overall coming from the United States, it was only a matter of time until corporations began to form. The beginning of corporate America came after the Civil War. Not only did the South need to rebuild and revitalize itself, but the expansion into the West was booming. Businessmen saw the potential for great wealth.

The railroads became the first great corporate businesses in the United States, and it was the Southern Pacific Railroad’s landmark Supreme Court case that changed the scope of corporations in America forever. The railroad wanted land, but as a corporation, it could not purchase the land and a fight over the property ensued. The case was tried before the Supreme Court, which ruled that a corporation could be recognized as a single person and, hence, receive the same rights and protections under the Constitution that were accorded an individual citizen.

Today

By being given the same basic rights and protections as the average citizen, corporations, with their bank of wealth, began to rise in power. Corporations were allowed to enter the political arena. Today, there is no facet of everyday life that is untouched by corporate America. In return for the money they sink into schools, non-profit organizations, and communities, corporations command loyalty and power.