Which industry almost wiped Herman Hollerith out?

Herman Hollerith is best known for developing a punched card system for data processing, which was a pioneering technology used during the 1890 U.S. Census. The New York Central Railroads played a significant role in his early career, specifically because they were one of his first major clients. However, during the time of his initial work, the railroad industry faced substantial challenges such as economic downturns and heightened competition.

As the railroad industry struggled, demand for Hollerith’s data processing services dwindled, putting his company at risk of failure. This situation highlighted the industry's impact on his business and demonstrated how reliant he was on large clients like the New York Central Railroads for sustaining his innovations.

Thus, the connection between Hollerith's struggles and the issues within the railroad industry emphasizes the precarious position he found himself in—where the status and needs of a major industry directly influenced his survival and success as an entrepreneur.