Monopoly

A monopoly is a company or group of companies that controls the supply of a product or a service. In the late 1800's, individuals such as John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) and J. P Morgan (1837-1913) established large monopolies that came to be known as trusts.

Imagine there is only one company that makes blue jeans. How do you think that would affect the price, supply, and variety of blue jeans available? Do you think that any monopolies exist today? If so, what, if anything, should be done about them?

Robber Barons

Robber Barons In the late 1800's, many men made fortunes by taking unfair advantage of natural resources, cheap labor, or their influence over the government to build up their businesses. These men became known as robber barons.

What do you think would drive a person to become a so-called robber baron? Do you think the way such people run their businesses is wrong? Explain whether or not you think there are robber barons today.

Westward Expansion

How did mining, railroad building, and ranching  affect the development of the west.

Railroads and Native Americans

There were many wars between the U.S. government and the Plains Indians. How might a railroad worker have experienced these conflicts?

Farmers and Populism

How did farmers interact with the railroads? What changes might have been apparent to a railroad worker?