Gilded Age Dbq Analysis

The Gilded age was considered one of the most prosperous eras of American history. Many public spaces, such as universities and libraries, were built. This, however came at the expense of the American population, many of them living in poverty and despair. Due to the economic policies the big businesses followed, the political control these big businesses had, and the harsh response by the people, big businesses were detrimental to the American society as a whole.
Big businesses implemented harsh economic policies so that their owners could maintain a wealthy lifestyle at the expense of the factory workers. Since these Gilded area was mostly constituted of monopolies, these businesses could control the price of goods as they were the only producers

This is well pictured in document three, which depicts big businesses as big, fat businessmen sitting in the back of the Senate. Above the businessmen there is a sign that reads “This is a Senate of the monopolists and for the monopolists.” This was mostly true. For instance, the little regulation railroad companies faced despite the lower class begging for management due to the high shipping costs is a clear example of when the government was paid off. Big businesses also controlled the law. They could postpone trials, and even pardon corrupt criminals. This is thoroughly mentioned in document 1, in which McNeill states “He(the big businesses) can delay trial on a suit at law, and postpone judgement

Many think that big companies were good in every way. People who support monopolies say that they were good as the money was controlled by the people and not the government. This is true to some extent, as many wealthy businessmen funded public areas. However, they are wrong. As seen in document 7, the prices of essential goods greatly dropped over time, which allowed people to spend more money on personal goods and services. In the end, a government that strictly controls the public is no better than a government that controls its