ABSTRACT
The expansion in the production of anthracite pig iron between 1849 and 1854 was hastened by a period of business prosperity. Anthracite pig iron production had been increased approximately 285 percent, but bituminous coal and coke iron output had been increased over 1400 percent. By 1860 anthracite pig iron production had been raised to new heights, with a total output of 519,211 net tons. In all instances the agitation seems to have arisen from the chaotic price movements and destructive competition caused by the widening of markets, the increased productive capacity, and depressed business conditions. Prior to the outbreak of war in 1861, there had been a reversal of the protectionist policy maintained in various forms between 1832 and 1842. John Wiley's Trade Manual for 1874 listed 735 blast furnaces owned by 556 firms located in twenty-four different states.
