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Highlights Guide

The American Enterprise exhibition chronicles the tumultuous interaction of capitalism and democracy that resulted in the continual remaking of American business—and American life. Visitors can trace the country’s development from a small, dependent agricultural nation to one of the world’s most vibrant economies.

This Highlights Guide offers visitors an overview of the exhibition along with key objects and stories chosen by the exhibition's curators. Use the icons below to navigate between the exhibition's four main sections.

Link to the Merchant Era, 1770s-1850s section of guide

Link to the Corporate Era, 1860s-1930s section of guide.

Link to the Consumer Era, 1940s-1970s section of guide

Link to the Global Era, 1980s-2010s section of guide