AGE OF BIG BUSINESS: Urbanization and Immigration Key Figures

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: SS.912.A.3.2 Examine the social, political, and economic causes, course, and consequences of the second Industrial Revolution that began in the late 19th century. SS.912.A.3.6 Analyze changes that occurred as the United States shifted from agrarian to an industrial society. SS.912.A.3.7 Compare the experience of European immigrants in the east to that of Asian immigrants in the west (the Chinese Exclusion Act, Gentlemen's Agreement with Japan). SS.912.A.3.9 Examine causes, course, and consequences of the labor movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Industrialists Cornelius Vanderbilt: Industrialist who worked in railroads and shipping; known as “The Commodore.” Accumulated the largest fortune in the U.S. at the time of his death, in 1877. Bought and combined railroads and standardized operations.

The Industrialists John D. Rockefeller: Established the Standard Oil Company in 1870 Largest monopoly; controlled 90% of all oil production Rockefeller was the America's first billionaire.

The Industrialists Henry M. Flagler: Became a self-made millionaire by working with John D. Rockefeller in developing Standard Oil Built railroads and luxury hotels in Florida

The Industrialists Andrew Carnegie: Owned many different iron and steel factories and mines across the U.S. Carnegie's success was huge for the economy because it pushed America ahead of the powerhouses such as Britain and Germany.

The Industrialists JP Morgan: Founded the banking company J.P. Morgan & Co., one of the leading financial firms in the country. Financed the consolidation of Carnegie and Federal steel companies to form US Steel.

The Industrialists Henry Ford: One of America's famous industrialists Revolutionized assembly-line production of the automobile. Built the Model T

The Unionists Terrence V. Powderly: Served as union leader of the Knights of Labor from 1879 to 1893.

The Unionists Samuel Gompers: American labor leader and first president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL).

The Unionists Eugene V. Debs: Labor union activist Helped organize the Pullman Strike The Socialist Party's candidate for U.S. president five times between 1900 and 1920.