Bill of Rights Institute
Progressivism and The New Deal
Bust those trusts! Scholars investigate the Progressive Era leading to the New Deal in America. They examine the impact legislation had on attempting to control big business in the United States. Are there any parallels to today?
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...
Curated OER
The Rise of U.S. Business and Industry
Eleventh graders examine the industrialization of post-Reconstruction America. In this 20th century American history lesson, 11th graders listen to a lecture about the industrial age and then conduct their own research to determine the...
Curated OER
Entrepreneurs in History
Students examine the contributions of American entrepreneurs. In this industrialization lesson, students complete the provided handouts to determine how Vanderbilt, Carnegie, Hill, and Rockefeller impacted American society. Students...
Curated OER
The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement (2)
In this online interactive American history activity, students answer 10 multiple choice questions regarding big business and the labor movement. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Captains or Barrons?
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions pertaining to the rise of industry in nation. A short answer question is included as well.
Curated OER
History Matters: Laissez Faire for Depression Woes
Read this transcript of the testimony of Yale Professer William Graham Sumner speaking before a committee of the House of Representatives in 1878. His contention was that even with the thread of depression, it was in business' best...
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,...
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.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Industrialization: Building Industrial America on the Backs of Labor
Learn about the lives of the working class in Industrial America, what led to the formation of labor unions, and why labor unions were not successful despite strike actions.
Other
Aas: Food Production, Processing & Distribution in the North 1850 1900
This online exhibit from the American Antiquarian Society is filled with lithographs, catalogs, trade cards, and product labels that show how food production and distribution expanded in the last half of the 19th century. Be sure to...
Curated OER
History Matters: Welfare Capitalism and Its Conceits.
Examine this political cartoon that looks at welfare capitalism and how companies used it to keep workers from establishing unions.
Digital History
Digital History: The Rise of Big Business
This resource provides information about the rise of big business in America after the Civil War. Read about the modern corporation, increased mechanization, and consumer products.
Digital History
Digital History: The Gospel of Wealth
Andrew Carnegie was a believer in the gospel of wealth. Read about his philosophy concerning the millions made by business tycoons in the Gilded Age, and see how he carried out this gospel.
Digital History
Digital History: Business Organizations [Pdf]
After a brief description of various ways that businesses are organized, find out about the monopolies formed in the age of big business in the late 19th century, focusing primarily on Standard Oil. [pdf]
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The New Right
Read about the backlash against the freewheeling '60s and '70s with the growth of the New Right, a coalition of big business leaders, Christian Right, and even radical hatred groups.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Gilded Age
The United States had an industrial resurgence after the Civil War. Read about the growth of big business in many areas and the men associated with these businesses. See also the people who did not prosper during this time and evaluate...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Biography of America: Gustavus Swift and the Refrigerator Car
This article provides an account of Gustavus Swift's development of the vertically integrated cattle industry through his use of the refrigerated rail car. From Industrial Supremacy, part of Annenberg Media's Biography of America.
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: Airline Mergers, Software Industry Monopolies: Contestable Markets?
Mergers within industries such as banking, telecommunications, and airlines have created a stir among consumers who charge that economic freedom and efficiency are being sacrificed in favor of corporate profits. For this lesson, students...
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: Consolidations
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the consolidation of all the different railroad companies into seven by 1906, and the concern that was developing over this concentration of...
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement: Quiz (1)
10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and tests your knowledge of industry and the labor movement in the late 19th century.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement: Quiz (2)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and tests your knowledge of the labor movement in the late 19th century.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement: Quiz (3)
10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and tests your knowledge of industry and the labor movement in the late 19th century.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement: Quiz (5)
Choose the correct word from the drop down menu for each of the thirteen questions to evaluate your knowledge of people and events relating to big business and the labor movement in the late nineteenth century.