Have you read Burton Folsom’s book on the Robber Baron’s?
BTW Higgs is right about WW2 spending.
I disagree with Higgs's model. It's absurd to say in essence that war goods aren't really "goods" just because they aren't consumer goods. In fact, during a war, the ONLY goods that count are "war goods," and hence, it is true that WW II did "get us out of the depression." A large part of that, however, was not just spending (as Keynesians say) but forced savings (supply side) through war bonds. But in a short time, the savings was unleashed. So, yes, WW II did get us out of the Great Depression.