In the late 1800s, major businesses in the United States grew substantially through mergers and acquisitions which concentrated economic power and resources in the hands of a few wealthy individuals known as Robber Barons. This led to monopolies forming in many industries as companies bought out competitors and suppliers to control prices and eliminate competition. While this increased profits for owners, it also resulted in poor conditions for workers and high prices for consumers. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was passed to limit monopolies but proved ineffective due to difficulties in enforcement.

1. Big Business

3. The businesses that “survived” were those that killed their competition! PROBLEM…

4. Entrepreneurs in the late 19 th Century (1800s) organized production to make increasing profit, leading to big business REMEMBER…

15. The End