<p>In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, powerful entrepreneurs dominated American industry. These individuals were both creative and insightful in the creation of American corporations that monopolized many facets of distribution and production. While each of these individuals was unique, they shared qualities that made them successful in American capitalism.</p>

<p>Benjamin West began painting in America during the late colonial period. His works represented a variety of styles. He was equally good at portraiture which was what most customers wanted and romantic renditions of battle scenes. Later in his career he devoted much of his time to Greek and Roman mythological themes.</p>

<p>In the early nineteenth century, America demanded a clean burning fuel that would supplant the candle as the primary tool for lighting in homes and businesses. Whale oil proved to be the answer. It was clean burning, odorless and more economical than candles. Hunting whales was adventurous and dangerous and it lured many young men to a life at sea. Whaling remained an important industry through the Civil War and began to decline with the discovery of oil and its by products at Drake's well and other sites in Western Pennsylvania.</p>