![]() ![]() The powerful individuals that led and created these monopolies became known as robber barons. The powerful individuals that led and created these monopolies became known as robber barons and they rose to power on the backs of the predominantly unskilled and unprotected labor force that fueled them. The rise of unions and increased frequency of strikes became central to the combative relationship between worker and employer. Trusts would eventually form monopolies over key segments of the American economyįueled by the concepts outlined in the Gospel of Wealth, these industrialists believed in a survival of the fittest approach to economics that frequently led to confrontation with workers who wanted higher wages, safer working conditions, and greater worker protections. These trusts would eventually form monopolies over key segments of the American economy and wield tremendous power, both politically and economically. The Gilded Age saw the rise of massive corporations known as trusts. “I would rather earn 1% off of 100 people’s efforts than 100% of my own efforts” Factories themselves could be located virtually anywhere thanks to the endless possibilities provided by the harnessing of electricity. People’s homes became illuminated with light beyond a simple candle or two and the nations standard of living increased thanks to new inventions like vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and sewing machines that utilized electricity. The accomplishment of one of America’s greatest inventors Thomas Edison, and his invention of the incandescent lightbulb at his research facility in Menlo Park, NJ was instrumental in changing the workplace and domestic life.Ĭities sprang to life with electricity powered street lamps and business signs that fostered the growth of entertainment and leisure activities. New inventions and technological advances improved the quality of life during the Gilded Age and while all were important in one aspect or another, it was the ability to harness electricity that had one of the most significant effects. The ability to talk directly to employees allowed businesses to expand without fear of being out of touch. While Samuel Morse’s telegraph grew with the railroads and was successful, it was Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone in 1876 (patent received) that truly revolutionized country wide communication. Communication capabilities beyond the Pony Express became a necessity as businesses and people spread across the country.After the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, the demand for the production of railways and train cars and eventually, the transportation of goods and people, became overwhelming.The ability to produce greater quantities of stronger steel led to the expansion of railroad lines that crisscrossed the country. The Bessemer process, named for Henry Bessemer, revolutionized how steel was produced.New advances in industrial production and communication paved the way for the industrial revolution and business growth that took place during the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age created record economic growth and made the United States the most dominant industrial power in the world. However, the Gilded Age created record economic growth in GDP, annual wages, and wealth for the country and its workers and eventually made the United States the most dominant industrial power in the world. Political corruption further threatened the cities as political machines worked for their own interests instead of the cities inhabitants. Urban areas grew at a nearly unsustainable rate as poor workers suffered through a lack of housing and sanitation in the under equipped cities. ![]() New innovations in electricity, mechanization, and communication gave rise to industrial production never before seen in the modern world.Īs massive oil, railroad, and steel monopolies were built, millions of immigrants from all over the world flooded into the country looking for work and a better life. ![]() New innovations in electricity, mechanization, and communication gave rise to industrial production never before seen in the modern world. ![]() The Gilded Age was a time of unprecedented growth of industry and technology in the United States following the Civil War and lasting until the beginning of the 20 thCentury. ![]()
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