Iconic Ambitions: The History of America's Most Iconic Brands and the American Dream

By Steven Mays

This book series focuses on the history and myths of America’s Most Iconic Brands and how they became so entwined in the meaning of the American Dream into our society. The American Dream is a concept that has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society since its inception. It embodies the idea that through hard work, determination, and perseverance, anyone can achieve success and prosperity. Many of the most iconic brands in America have tapped into this ethos and have become symbols of the American Dream themselves. Brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Ford represent not only products and services, but also the values and aspirations of the American people. These brands have become synonymous with success, innovation, and the pursuit of a better life.

What sets these iconic brands apart from others is their ability to capture the imagination of consumers. Through clever advertising, engaging storytelling, and innovative products, these brands have been able to evoke emotions and inspire dreams. They have effectively tapped into the collective imagination of the American people, creating a sense of connection and belonging that goes beyond mere consumption. For example, Coca-Cola's iconic polar bear commercials and Ford's inspirational "Built Ford Tough" campaigns have become cultural touchstones that have captured the hearts and minds of consumers.

In a society that is constantly evolving and changing, these iconic brands serve as symbols of stability and tradition. They represent a sense of continuity and reliability in a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, these brands will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our collective imagination and defining what it means to achieve the American Dream.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spines
• Release date: Apr 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798893830903

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

First, I would like to express my gratitude for your interest in embarking on this journey to explore America's most iconic brands. The history of the oldest corporations that have contributed to building the American economy has always captivated me. What drove these founders and visionaries to take the initiative to transform their aspirations and ambitions into the American Dream? Discover the significance of maintaining one's vision, adapting to market trends, cultivating a robust brand identity, and placing customer satisfaction at the forefront.

Are you, like me, fascinated by the most iconic and influential brands in American history? Do you possess a zeal for business, history, or the American Dream? Then look no further than Iconic Ambition: The History of America’s Most Iconic Brands and the American Dream Vol. 1. This enthralling book offers an in-depth look at the compelling stories of some of America's most emblematic brands, charting their beginnings, development, and substantial influence on society.

America is a nation of dreams, where certain brands have significantly contributed to shaping those aspirations. From Frito-Lay to McDonald's to Procter & Gamble, these emblematic brands have become embedded in American culture, representing the nation's hopes and values.

In America, brands are more than mere logos and products; they symbolize identity and principles. They stir emotions, evoke memories, and inspire ambitions, forging personal bonds with consumers. American culture's brands often reflect society's collective values and ideals, influencing individuals' self-perception and their understanding of the world.

It is our hope that this book will offer aspiring entrepreneurs invaluable lessons from the experiences of these iconic brands. By examining the stories of these distinguished brands, we learn how they have not only revolutionized industries but also impacted consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, and the shared vision of attaining success in a land brimming with possibilities.

CHAPTER ONE

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION

Union Pacific Railroad played a crucial role in the realization of the American Dream during the 19th and early 20th centuries. As part of the transcontinental railroad system, Union Pacific connected the east coast to the west coast, facilitating economic growth, trade, and migration across the United States. The development of railroads allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of goods and people, opening up new opportunities for individuals to seek out better lives in different regions. The construction of the railroad itself provided job opportunities for thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants looking for a chance at prosperity in America. Union Pacific symbolizes not only physical connectivity but also embodies the spirit of hope and ambition that is central to the American Dream - the belief that hard work and determination can lead to success and upward mobility.

Once upon a time, in the vast expanse of the American West, there stood a mighty railroad known as the Union Pacific. It was more than just a transportation system; it was a symbol of ambition, progress, and the pursuit of the American Dream. As its iron tracks stretched across rugged landscapes, connecting cities and towns, it carried with it the hopes and aspirations of countless individuals. From the hardworking laborers who toiled under the scorching sun to lay the tracks, to the dreamers who boarded its trains in search of a better life, Union Pacific became a conduit for dreams to become reality. It whispered tales of opportunity, adventure, and the promise that with determination and perseverance, one could carve their own path to success. And so, as the locomotives roared and the wheels turned, the Union Pacific became a living testament to the power of dreams, forever entwined with the fabric of the American Dream itself.

Established in 1862, the original Union Pacific Railroad played a pivotal role as part of the groundbreaking transcontinental railroad project known as the Overland Route. As time passed, UP welcomed and integrated multiple major railways including the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Western Pacific Railroad, Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad, and the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. The company's expansion continued in 1995 with its merger alongside Chicago and Northwestern Transportation Company, solidifying its presence in the Upper Midwest. And just a year later in 1996, another significant merger took place between UP and Southern Pacific Transportation Company - an extensive network that had already been acquired by Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. 

Today, both Union Pacific Corporation and its primary operating company - Union Pacific Railroad Company - are headquartered at the impressive Union Pacific Center located in Omaha, Nebraska. The original company, Union Pacific Railroad, was incorporated on July 1, 1862, under the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862. President Abraham Lincoln had approved the act, which authorized railroad construction from the Missouri River to the Pacific to ensure the stability of the Union throughout the American Civil War, but construction did not complete until after that conflict's conclusion. The resulting track ran westward from Council Bluffs, Iowa to meet in Utah, the Central Pacific Railroad line, which had been constructed eastward from Sacramento, California. The combined Union Pacific–Central Pacific line became known as the first transcontinental railroad and later the Overland Route.

Afterwards, the UP acquired three railroads constructed by members of the Mormon faith: the Utah Central Railroad, which ran from Ogden to Salt Lake City, the Utah Southern Railroad, which reached south into the Utah Valley from Salt Lake City, and the Utah Northern Railroad, which extended northward from Ogden into Idaho.

In 1872, the original UP became embroiled in the Crédit Mobilier scandal. According to the New York Sun, Union Pacific's main construction company had been overcharging them and then passing on the extra expenses to the US government. In order to get the government to agree to these inflated costs, Crédit Mobilier had resorted to bribing several congressmen. Some high-ranking members of UP's board, such as Durant, were also implicated in this scheme. The resulting economic downturn in 1873 caused a shortage of credit but did not lead to bankruptcy.

As the highs of success were followed by the lows of failure, the Union Pacific railroad persisted in its growth. On January 24, 1880, a fresh company led by influential shareholder Jay Gould acquired the old one. Gould had already taken ownership of the Kansas Pacific (originally named Union Pacific, Eastern Division, but essentially a distinct railway) and aimed to join forces with UP. This resulted in a total transformation of the original Union Pacific Railroad into Union Pacific Railway. 

In order to expand into the Pacific Northwest, Union Pacific constructed or acquired nearby railways to connect with Portland, Oregon. Towards Colorado, they established the Union