The Gilded Age Essay Example For Students

The Gilded Age Essay A successful economy is perhaps the most key ingredient leading to a successful nation. An economy is a delicate balance of many different conflicting and coexisting elements. Naturally, an economys success can often be measured by the amount of wealth is contains, not to mention the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of its distribution of the wealth. Effective distribution of wealth is no easy feat. Wealthy and poor people will always need to coexist- this is an inescapable truth. The governments job in many cases becomes that of a referee. Naturally, perfect peace and harmony between to totally different classes would be a utopia, and probably will never be completely achieved. A government must, therefore, regulate economy so that one class does not overrun the other. The real struggle is over a vastly more important issue: who owes what to whom. This most hoary and basic of all social debates usually afforded reverence and inattention of great art: People know its there and mostly they ignore it(Wines238). Society will constantly debate this issue. We will write a custom essay on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now By very definition, however, there will also always be a wide spectrum of opinions because of social status. Naturally, the poor will always feel cheated because they feel as if opportunity never has and never will pass them by. The rich, conversely, will always feel as if they are doing society a great favor simply by having their wealth. Poor versus rich debates will never go away no matter how much change is done to government and society. The just deserts theory of poverty is one that best describes American society. For many, the logic of the mobility ideology led to a just deserts rationalization. The matter was simple, according to a local editor: We declare it a vice and a sin for a man to be poor, if he can help it. And the typical poor man in America could help it(Thernstrom33). More often than not poverty can be helped. Perhaps poverty is what is deserved for laziness in American society. America can not alleviate the defective state of society. Other nations inevitably encounter many of the very same problems and deal with them differently, establishing a wide range of economic systems. Some take on a traditional economy in which one assumes the same job as his or her parents. This system allows very little mobility and is not seen very much worldwide. Other nations chose a command economy. This entails the federal government appointing individuals with occupations and allows them to become skilled at their respective craft. The market model of economy, developed by Adam Smith entails a freely flowing economy that places little or not restriction on occupation allowing individuals utmost rights. America took on an ethos of a mixed economy of market and command that struck a successful economic equilibrium. American economy also changes with different periods of history. The Civil War had lit the spark of industrialization needed to enhance the American economy. Technology advanced by leaps and bounds and free labor was done away with to make room for Industrialization and Adam Smiths market model of capitalism. Capitalism was a promoter of the entrepreneur and individual success. It was only natural that during this time of private interest the gap between rich and poor would be greatly widened and a state of disorder might arise. Capitalism was a new ideology and drastic labor problems and social disorder arose because Americans were simply adjusting to (and taking advantage of) the new system. Although the gap between rich and poor during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was unquestionably large, the nation was also prospering through large economic gains. Although it may have seemed like a nation in which the rich were detached from the poor, the US was actually harvesting a new breed of self-accomplishing individuals. With the end of free labor, the US had sought a new ideology, and found it in Adam Smiths market model. The market model was a beneficial system overall, however, many focused not on the gains that it brought but instead on the condition of the poor. The market model was indeed a gain of the time period and was met by the pursue of . The Gilded Age Essay Example For Students The Gilded Age Essay A successful economy is perhaps the most key ingredient leading to a successful nation. An economy is a delicate balance of many different conflicting and coexisting elements. Naturally, an economys success can often be measured by the amount of wealth is contains, not to mention the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of its distribution of the wealth. Effective distribution of wealth is no easy feat. Wealthy and poor people will always need to coexist- this is an inescapable truth. The governments job in many cases becomes that of a referee. Naturally, perfect peace and harmony between to totally different classes would be a utopia, and probably will never be completely achieved. A government must, therefore, regulate economy so that one class does not overrun the other. The real struggle is over a vastly more important issue: who owes what to whom. This most hoary and basic of all social debates usually afforded reverence and inattention of great art: People know its there and mostly they ignore it(Wines238). Society will constantly debate this issue. We will write a custom essay on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now By very definition, however, there will also always be a wide spectrum of opinions because of social status. Naturally, the poor will always feel cheated because they feel as if opportunity never has and never will pass them by. The rich, conversely, will always feel as if they are doing society a great favor simply by having their wealth. Poor versus rich debates will never go away no matter how much change is done to government and society. The just deserts theory of poverty is one that best describes American society. For many, the logic of the mobility ideology led to a just deserts rationalization. The matter was simple, according to a local editor: We declare it a vice and a sin for a man to be poor, if he can help it. And the typical poor man in America could help it(Thernstrom33). More often than not poverty can be helped. Perhaps poverty is what is deserved for laziness in American society. America can not alleviate the defective state of society. Other nations inevitably encounter many of the very same problems and deal with them differently, establishing a wide range of economic systems. Some take on a traditional economy in which one assumes the same job as his or her parents. This system allows very little mobility and is not seen very much worldwide. Other nations chose a command economy. This entails the federal government appointing individuals with occupations and allows them to become skilled at their respective craft. The market model of economy, developed by Adam Smith entails a freely flowing economy that places little or not restriction on occupation allowing individuals utmost rights. America took on an ethos of a mixed economy of market and command that struck a successful economic equilibrium. American economy also changes with different periods of history. The Civil War had lit the spark of industrialization needed to enhance the American economy. Technology advanced by leaps and bounds and free labor was done away with to make room for Industrialization and Adam Smiths market model of capitalism. Capitalism was a promoter of the entrepreneur and individual success. It was only natural that during this time of private interest the gap between rich and poor would be greatly widened and a state of disorder might arise. Capitalism was a new ideology and drastic labor problems and social disorder arose because Americans were simply adjusting to (and taking advantage of) the new system. Although the gap between rich and poor during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was unquestionably large, the nation was also prospering through large economic gains. Although it may have seemed like a nation in which the rich were detached from the poor, the US was actually harvesting a new breed of self-accomplishing individuals. With the end of free labor, the US had sought a new ideology, and found it in Adam Smiths market model. The market model was a beneficial system overall, however, many focused not on the gains that it brought but instead on the condition of the poor. The market model was indeed a gain of the time period and was met by the pursue of individual . The Gilded Age Essay Example For Students The Gilded Age Essay Many people viewed businessmen of the nineteenth century as robber barons. They believed that these businessmen were so emerged into giant corporations and were so dedicated in striving for monopolistic power that their only pursuit was wealth and power in lieu of accomplishments. This entry counterbalances the idea of robber barons. John Chamberlain emphasizes the creative accomplishments of these business leaders. He explains the effects they had on the American public, while also realizing the shameful aspects of their actions. In the following essay, I will summarize Chamberlains views on Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Carnegie, their achievements and their pursuit to deal with the American economy. The period after the Civil War resulted in a significant growth in the industrialization of the American economy. Many new faces started to emerge out into industrial enterprises. One of these new faces was Cornelius Vanderbilt. People believed that he was a man that used trickery to control properties that he wanted. When involved with something, Vanderbilt was a man who was determined to have physical and economical improvements for the company. We will write a custom essay on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now He began his career from his love of steamboats, but as the steamboats era came to an end Vanderbilt became involved with railroads. With his profit made from steamboats and oversea affairs, he purchased shares of the Harlem Railroad. This would later help him gain stock control of Canada Southern, Lake Shore and the Michigan Central. These first steps lead him to much fame in the economical world. He relayed the Centrals tracks from New York to Chicago with new steel rails and stronger steel bridges. He produced a more efficient type of locomotive and the traveling time was drastically shortened. Vanderbilt helped link the east and west worlds of America together. Vanderbilt may have watered the Centrals stock. But as fast as he watered it he solidified it and the worst that can be said about his is that he was a shrewd capitalizer of future earnings.(59) Chamberlain next examined John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil Company, the nations first big trust. Standard Oil Co. offended the nations traditional competitive ethics. People were used to small regional businesses and could not comprehend Rockefellers determination for his company to become absolutely perfect. He became involved with a small refinery run by Samuel Andrews, this first partnership lead to new partners. His company increased its profits by making its own barrels in its own cooperage plants, shipping its products in large quantities and plowed most of its profit back into the business. As time went by, Rockefellers company absorbed all but five out of a total of some 25 local refineries. Many could not resist Rockefellers decision of seizing their refinery. We will take you burdens, we will utilize your ability, we will give you representations; we will all unite together and build a substantial structure on the basis of co-operation. (63) As time passed, people began to reject Rockefellers pursuits of buying their refineries. Western Pennsylvania oil refineries banned together and several joined the Acme Oil Co., which was a rival of the Standard Oil Co. The Southern Improvement Co. was a device said to be invoked by Rockefeller. One of its purposes was to exact rebates running up to 50% of the carrying charges on all of its oil transported by the Pennsylvania, Erie, and the New York Central. Most manufacturers considered it to be quite legitimate to get discounts for bulk shipments and for a guarantee of a steady flow of business. A controversy over this issue began and the news spread. Railroads quickly respond to the problem and said that all future oil shipments would be based on equality for everyone. Rockefeller used the Southern Improvement contract to draw in Cleveland refineries into his corporation. He was able to stabilize the oil market by exterminating competition. .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e , .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .postImageUrl , .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e , .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e:hover , .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e:visited , .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e:active { border:0!important; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e:active , .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua759b9b58d620ca0d8d3f1d4dacc9d4e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Henry David Thoreau (2353 words) Essay From a monopoly angel, people have said that Rockefeller brought the industrial age of America to an incredible height. Two points have resulted from this point of view: 1st he was probably the most able competitor of the 19th century and 2nd the Standard Oil Co. was able to keep competition from returning as the 20th century approached. In 1892, the Supreme Court . The Gilded Age Essay Example For Students The Gilded Age Essay A successful economy is perhaps the most key ingredient leading to a successful nation. An economy is a delicate balance of many different conflicting and coexisting elements. Naturally, an economys success can often be measured by the amount of wealth is contains, not to mention the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of its distribution of the wealth. Effective distribution of wealth is no easy feat. Wealthy and poor people will always need to coexist- this is an inescapable truth. The governments job in many cases becomes that of a referee. Naturally, perfect peace and harmony between to totally different classes would be a utopia, and probably will never be completely achieved. A government must, therefore, regulate economy so that one class does not overrun the other. The real struggle is over a vastly more important issue: who owes what to whom. This most hoary and basic of all social debates usually afforded reverence and inattention of great art: People know its there and mostly they ignore it(Wines238). Society will constantly debate this issue. We will write a custom essay on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now By very definition, however, there will also always be a wide spectrum of opinions because of social status. Naturally, the poor will always feel cheated because they feel as if opportunity never has and never will pass them by. The rich, conversely, will always feel as if they are doing society a great favor simply by having their wealth. Poor versus rich debates will never go away no matter how much change is done to government and society. The just deserts theory of poverty is one that best describes American society. For many, the logic of the mobility ideology led to a just deserts rationalization. The matter was simple, according to a local editor: We declare it a vice and a sin for a man to be poor, if he can help it. And the typical poor man in America could help it(Thernstrom33). More often than not poverty can be helped. Perhaps poverty is what is deserved for laziness in American society. America can not alleviate the defective state of society. Other nations inevitably encounter many of the very same problems and deal with them differently, establishing a wide range of economic systems. Some take on a traditional economy in which one assumes the same job as his or her parents. This system allows very little mobility and is not seen very much worldwide. Other nations chose a command economy. This entails the federal government appointing individuals with occupations and allows them to become skilled at their respective craft. The market model of economy, developed by Adam Smith entails a freely flowing economy that places little or not restriction on occupation allowing individuals utmost rights. America took on an ethos of a mixed economy of market and command that struck a successful economic equilibrium. American economy also changes with different periods of history. The Civil War had lit the spark of industrialization needed to enhance the American economy. Technology advanced by leaps and bounds and free labor was done away with to make room for Industrialization and Adam Smiths market model of capitalism. Capitalism was a promoter of the entrepreneur and individual success. It was only natural that during this time of private interest the gap between rich and poor would be greatly widened and a state of disorder might arise. Capitalism was a new ideology and drastic labor problems and social disorder arose because Americans were simply adjusting to (and taking advantage of) the new system. Although the gap between rich and poor during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was unquestionably large, the nation was also prospering through large economic gains. Although it may have seemed like a nation in which the rich were detached from the poor, the US was actually harvesting a new breed of self-accomplishing individuals. With the end of free labor, the US had sought a new ideology, and found it in Adam Smiths market model. The market model was a beneficial system overall, however, many focused not on the gains that it brought but instead on the condition of the poor. The market model was indeed a gain of the time period and was met by the pursue of individual . The Gilded Age Essay Example For Students The Gilded Age Essay A successful economy is perhaps the most key ingredient leading to a successful nation. An economy is a delicate balance of many different conflicting and coexisting elements. Naturally, an economys success can often be measured by the amount of wealth is contains, not to mention the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of its distribution of the wealth. Effective distribution of wealth is no easy feat. Wealthy and poor people will always need to coexist- this is an inescapable truth. The governments job in many cases becomes that of a referee. Naturally, perfect peace and harmony between to totally different classes would be a utopia, and probably will never be completely achieved. A government must, therefore, regulate economy so that one class does not overrun the other. The real struggle is over a vastly more important issue: who owes what to whom. This most hoary and basic of all social debates usually afforded reverence and inattention of great art: People know its there and mostly they ignore it(Wines238). Society will constantly debate this issue. We will write a custom essay on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now By very definition, however, there will also always be a wide spectrum of opinions because of social status. Naturally, the poor will always feel cheated because they feel as if opportunity never has and never will pass them by. The rich, conversely, will always feel as if they are doing society a great favor simply by having their wealth. Poor versus rich debates will never go away no matter how much change is done to government and society. The just deserts theory of poverty is one that best describes American society. For many, the logic of the mobility ideology led to a just deserts rationalization. The matter was simple, according to a local editor: We declare it a vice and a sin for a man to be poor, if he can help it. And the typical poor man in America could help it(Thernstrom33). More often than not poverty can be helped. Perhaps poverty is what is deserved for laziness in American society. America can not alleviate the defective state of society. Other nations inevitably encounter many of the very same problems and deal with them differently, establishing a wide range of economic systems. Some take on a traditional economy in which one assumes the same job as his or her parents. This system allows very little mobility and is not seen very much worldwide. Other nations chose a command economy. This entails the federal government appointing individuals with occupations and allows them to become skilled at their respective craft. The market model of economy, developed by Adam Smith entails a freely flowing economy that places little or not restriction on occupation allowing individuals utmost rights. America took on an ethos of a mixed economy of market and command that struck a successful economic equilibrium. American economy also changes with different periods of history. The Civil War had lit the spark of industrialization needed to enhance the American economy. Technology advanced by leaps and bounds and free labor was done away with to make room for Industrialization and Adam Smiths market model of capitalism. Capitalism was a promoter of the entrepreneur and individual success. It was only natural that during this time of private interest the gap between rich and poor would be greatly widened and a state of disorder might arise. Capitalism was a new ideology and drastic labor problems and social disorder arose because Americans were simply adjusting to (and taking advantage of) the new system. Although the gap between rich and poor during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was unquestionably large, the nation was also prospering through large economic gains. Although it may have seemed like a nation in which the rich were detached from the poor, the US was actually harvesting a new breed of self-accomplishing individuals. With the end of free labor, the US had sought a new ideology, and found it in Adam Smiths market model. The market model was a beneficial system overall, however, many focused not on the gains that it brought but instead on the condition of the poor. The market model was indeed a gain of the time period and was met by the pursue of individual . The Gilded Age Essay Example For Students The Gilded Age Essay When you are young and even well into your adult years people will tell you there will always be somebody who is smarter, faster, happier, or better at something than you are. This is true for all periods of time but in The Gilded Age Essay those who were better gained more and more crushing the people below them with unprecedented greed, corruption, and power. The few exploited the many by way of opportunity. Something our nation was built on, yet the avaricious elite used it for evil methods. In the years that followed Reconstruction many issues came up including whether laissez-faire was the correct system to follow. We will write a custom essay on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Because of problems like that remained unsettled for some time industrial leaders began to pop up and create overpowering monopolies. Just like what Walmart is considered today. Monopolies could lower prices to a degree at which smaller businesses could not compete. This would allow them to buy out a smaller company and lower competition. In todays world we value competition because we know it is what makes prices lower. It is what allows smaller businesses to get into the market and provide new knowledge to the same concepts. It is what allows new companies to gain momentum and have the means to develop new methods. In the gilded age freedom was valued over equality. Those who could rise would rise, crushing those they surpassed. During the Gilded Age, many industrialists were considered robber barons. They were in fact, because of the monopolies they created, the large amounts they ;stole; from the American people, and their selfish attitudes. A few of these industrialists were Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan. . It was this morality and their personal business strategies that have lead historian to classify these three men as either robber barons or captains of industry. These men established large monopolies and bought out all other little businesses. This made it impossible for competition of any kind. Perhaps the most famous of these men and most definitely the richest of them is John D. Rockefeller. Rockefeller joined with smaller companies through trust agreements and mergers. Many people consider Rockefeller a tyrant who suppressed many because of his forcible ways of gaining his monopolies. Rockefeller was fond of buying out small and large competitors. If the competitors refused to sell they often found Rockefeller cutting the prices of his Standard Oil or in the worst cases, their factories mysteriously blowing up. Rockefeller was obsessed with controlling the oil market and used many of undesirable tactics to flush his competitors out of the market. Rockefeller was also a master of the rebate game. He was one of the most dominant controllers of the railroads. He was so good at the rebate that at some times he skillfully commanded the railroad to pay rebates to his standard oil company on the traffic of other competitors. He was able to do this because his oil traffic was so high that he could make or break a section of a railroad a railroad company by simply not running his oil on their lines. Another one of Rockefellers earlier mentioned but not explained tactics was his horizontally integrated monopoly. Rockefeller used this horizontal monopoly to set prices and force his competitors to merge with him. (All with Doc. J) Document J shows that Rockefeller had his tentacles, or his influence and power around every piece of the oil industry. That, also, includes the politicians and their support. Rockefeller was an intelligent man who sought for better means in order to increase productivity. .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 , .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .postImageUrl , .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 , .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974:hover , .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974:visited , .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974:active { border:0!important; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974:active , .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974 .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u0dc216e20b2cb05a4bc5133b52604974:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Early Colonies Essay He used the opportunities of the time to take advantage of a free system. One of his best characteristics was that he lowered the cost of oil across the word by his largest scale production. To see that his oil was top quality at minimum cost he also hired specialist managers, this was a revolutionary concept at the time. Rockefellers most remembered and quite possibly best feature was his fanatical relationship with efficiency. Some of the industrialists tried to justify their monopolies by saying it helped the poor. This is just like the Iron Law of wages in the sense that the industrialists were trying to .