The industrious and thrifty farmer could be tolerably sure of a modest competence, due partly to his own efforts, and partly to the increased value of his land in a more populous community; but the business man had no such security.

In his case it was war to the knife.
He was presented with a choice between aggressive daring business operations, and financial insignificance or ruin.
No doubt this situation was due as much to the temper of the American business man as to his economic environment.

American energy had been consecrated to economic development.

The business man in seeking to realize his ambitions and purposes was checked neither by government control nor social custom.

He had nothing to do and nothing to consider except his own business advancement and success.