Robert Fogel was an American economist and a key figure in the field of economic history. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1993 for his work on the role of railroads in the economic development of the United States. Fogel's research emphasized the importance of quantitative methods in understanding historical economic processes. Fogel is also known for his contributions to the study of health economics and the economic impact of nutrition. His influential book, "Time on the Cross," challenged traditional views of slavery in America by using statistical analysis to assess its economic implications.