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The government practiced laissez-faire economics. This meant they did not get involved in the economy. This benefited big business. In addition, there was many instances of corruption by the government.
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Companies emerged during this era that sought to eliminate or get rid of competition. These companies formed monopolies or a company which controls a product or industry like John Rockefeller and the oil business. Monopolies put all others out of business giving them an unfair advantage.
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The Gilded Age saw a rise in unhealthy and dangerous working conditions. Most factory owners and bosses were more concerned with profit than worker safety.
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industrialization brought increased production but also increased pollution. This pollution started to negatively impact the environment. In addition, Americans were exploiting their natural resources by depleting the finite amount available.
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In the gilded age, workers worked 60 hours a week for a salary of 10 cents an hour. Courts were not sympathetic to work claims, so hardly any injured people or deaths recovered on claims.
