From Southern roots to global dominance: The story of America's powerhouse corporations

August 14, 2023

From Southern roots to global dominance: The story of America's powerhouse corporations

Coca Cola bottles on a shelf

Five of the nation’s largest, and most profitable, companies have roots in the rural roots in the American South. Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Bank of America, FedEx and Walmart are global corporations with deep roots in the American south. They’ve transformed the world economy and climate.

In his book Country Capitalism: How Corporations from the American South Remade Our Economy and the PlanetOhio State professor Bart Elmore chronicles the history of these corporations. Elmore delves into the humble beginnings of these companies. He also looks at how the region and societal conditions shaped their development as well as how they continue to shape our economy.