Armory of the World
One name dominated American industrial politics more than any other; Winchester.
Though the family had died out long ago, an enterprising American by the name of Calhoun had commandeered a handful of manufacturing centers in New Jersey and New York, almost 15 years ago to the day. With the promise of food, safety, and a place to sleep, he drew in workers, producing firearms to sell and protect his small manufacturing empire. His workers grew food, mined iron, and most of all, worked the machines to create beautiful and reliable weapons. Calhoun bled, wept, and sweat for years upon years, enduring sacrifice after bloody sacrifice to maintain his rightful place; when bandits came to raid his largest factory and home, he stood with his workers against them. When a pirate destroyer threatened to bombard his beloved work, it was a Winchester-built missile that blew it out of the water.
And, now, it had turned out well for him. Winchester Corporation made up a staggering 25% of the American economy alone (and accounts for 50% of all manufacturing), and his weapon manufacturing empire stretched from New Jersey factories to logging operations outside of Presque Isle. He is, quite possibly, the most powerful man in America, with a workforce loyal to him and him alone with the weapons to back it up. Winchester - and, now, he has tied the American government to him, as well. It is Winchester Corporation firearms that are wielded by US Army soldiers; Winchester rifles that arm the State Militias. Some call him a merchant of death, and some a brilliant businessman; but regardless of his title, he has truly turned America into the World's Armory.
