The Role Of African Americans In The Gilded Age

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Following the era of reconstruction came the Gilded Age, where African Americans were still treated as slaves, and minority immigrants struggled to achieve the American dream. Decades after the British Industrial Revolution, America had its own, with new industries such as railroad and oil companies sweeping over the economy. Many men, with no business experience, became millionaires, redefining the American dream. However, the wealthy businessmen of the Gilded Age were Robber Barons, opting to use corrupt and unethical business practices, such as bribery and “debt slavery”, to gain riches.
Although the industrialists used unethical and immoral practices to become wealthy, many shared their prosperity within their community. Andrew Carnegie,

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