Bill of Rights Institute
The Gilded Age, Robber Barons and the Rise of Big Business
Survival of the fittest! Scholars investigate an AP review video to discover the era of big business during the Gilded Age. Viewers examine the place of Robber Barons in society and its impact on the workforce in America. This is the...
Core Knowledge Foundation
Isn’t It Exciting? (The American Industrial Revolution and Urbanization)
America was built on the ingenuity, work ethic, and foresight of our ancestors. Sixth graders learn about the complex Gilded Age in American history, including the prominent inventors and captains of industry, and how they all connect...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Robber Barons and Captains of Industry
A very thorough lesson plan from EDSITEment that explores the role of the robber barons in American industry in the 19th century. It explores the question of whether the robber barons were harmful or "Captains of Industry." You'll find...
Vassar College
Vassar College: 1896: Trusts and Monopolies
As part of a large site dealing with the election of 1896 is this article on Trusts and Monopolies. Although the focus is on the Republicans' anti-trust sentiments in the election, you can read about the rise of big business, monopolies,...
![Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: Crash of 1907 [Pdf] Article](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: Crash of 1907 [Pdf] Article")
Other
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: Crash of 1907 [Pdf]
A very interesting look at the Panic of 1907, the crash of stocks, the lack of faith in banks by depositors, especially in New York and Boston, and the rescue of the banks by J.P. Morgan. Calling on news reports of the time, this pdf...
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: Captains of Industry: Second Industrial Revolution
This tutorial looks at the Second Industrial Revolution in the United States and the most famous and successful industrial entrepreneurs of that time. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Industrialization 1870 1900: From Invention to Industrial Growth
This section of the textbook describes how new inventions spurred industrial growth in the 19th century and discusses the business methods and models of Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, and J. P. Morgan.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 5: A New Order
This extensive learning module examines the impact of the Gilded Age upon new cultural and intellectual movements, expansion of foreign trade, and political debates over economic and social policies, as well as the impact of the rise of...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Power: Taming the Octopus: Standard Oil
Excerpt from Ida Tarbell's magazine expose of Standard Oil's manipulation of the American oil industry contrasted with excerpts from John D. Rockefeller's autobiography in which he defends the practices of his company.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Struggles of Labor
This site discusses how for much of the latter half of the 1800s, the life of the common laborer was horrendous. Working in a unsanitary factory, for at least 10 hours a day, making far less than needed to survive, the struggles of the...
Digital History
Digital History: The Supreme Court Decides [Pdf]
An explanation of the Supreme Court decision in 1911 that broke up the monopoly of Standard Oil, charged with unreasonable restraint of trade. Read commentary that claimed that the decision did not really increase competition in the oil...
Digital History
Digital History: The Industrial Revolution [Pdf]
This site covers both the initial Industrial Revolution in the United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and the second revolution that highlighted new inventions and the businessmen who financed industry. Read brief...
Digital History
Digital History: John D. Rockefeller in Cleveland [Pdf]
John D. Rockefeller was a determined (some would say ruthless) businessman, who managed to gain control of all the oil refineries in Cleveland by 1872. Read about how he expanded his business while putting others out of business. [pdf]
Digital History
Digital History: The Theory of Laissez Faire [Pdf]
The economic philosophy of laissez-faire was espoused by Adam Smith in his book, Wealth of Nations. Read about the concepts of this philosophy, how it pertained to American business in the late 19h century, and what the drawbacks to...
Digital History
Digital History: Empire 'S Challenge to Standard [Pdf]
In the era of big business and business tycoons in the late 19th century, John D. Rockefeller held a very high position. Read about how he thwarted an attempt by two railroad owners to keep Rockefeller from controlling all the oil...
Digital History
Digital History: Robber Baron or Industrial Statesman [Pdf]
John D. Rockefeller was a controversial figure in the business world of the 19th century. Read about his actions to consolidate his control of the oil refining business in all its aspects. Find arguments claiming that he was an...
Digital History
Digital History: Standard Oil on Trial [Pdf]
The anti-trust case against Standard Oil, based on the Sherman Antitrust Act, pitted the federal government against the largest corporation in the United States. Read the trial preparation information including the arguments of the...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Rockefellers: John D. Rockefeller, Senior
A lengthy biography of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., who created Standard Oil, and developed the idea of horizontal integration of business. In addition, it discusses his philanthropy and the good he did with his fortune. From the PBS...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Rockefeller on Trial
As part of an American Experience documentary on the Rockefellers, this article describes the investigations and lawsuits against John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil Company because of the oil monopoly he formed.
Other
U.s. History Scene: The Second Industrial Revolution, 1870 1914
Between 1820 and 1860, the visual map of the United States was transformed by unprecedented urbanization and rapid territorial expansion, facilitated by the railroad system. These changes mutually fueled the Second Industrial Revolution...
Other
John D. Rockefeller and the Standard Oil Company: The Standard Oil Trust
This site explores how John D. Rockefeller built the first great industrial trust, as well as its subsequent investigations and dissolution.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The New Tycoons: John D. Rockefeller
John D. Rockefeller was a poster boy for big business in the late 19th century. Read about how he made his vast fortune, ans see how he ran his company.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Gilded Age (1878 1889)
After a brief description of the economy in the Gilded Age, find links to stories about many cultural events of the age. Read about Jim Thorpe, the Johnstown flood, and the first Coca-Cola, among other stories.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Muckrakers
Sometimes a pen can be wielded more lethally than a sword. Read about the brave muckrakers who exposed corruption and injustice in government and business. These journalists attacked different areas, but the result was an introduction to...