How to Get Rich in American History

American financial success has shifted significantly over three centuries, moving from a reliance on dividends to a model driven primarily by price appreciation. Dr. Joseph Moore, historian and author of *How to Get Rich in American History*, argues that modern investors often misinterpret historical trends, such as the universal efficacy of compound interest, which was not the primary wealth-building tool for most of American history. Instead, sustainable wealth creation requires treating personal finances like a business—solving real-world problems rather than chasing market-beating returns. Historical examples, ranging from 19th-century self-issued currencies to modern AI compute investments, illustrate that understanding the underlying mechanics of a market is more effective than speculative trading. Ultimately, long-term financial stability stems from deep research and aligning personal goals with market realities rather than wasting time on short-term, high-stress trading strategies.