This example shows how since "Union generals at times contracted directly with businesses for arms and supplies. Without government regulatory policies, businesses grew through a self-policing financial community, failing when greed overtook prudence as in the Panic of 1873. Congressional leaders curried favor with big businesses, accepting loans that were never repaid, shares of stocks, and seats on corporate boards", that to some effect has an effect on our economy today. The Civil War had many effects on the people who lived at the time of it and no matter how many years it has been since then, it still shows itself through little ways in our lives today in 2010.