The Gilded Age
Hannah Otten
John D. Rockefeller
What: Rockefeller created and developed the Standard Oil Company in 1872. He was one of the first philanthropists in the US. He donated $540 million to charitable purposes.
When: John D Rockefeller owned around 3/4 of the petroleum businesses in the United States in the 1890s.
Where: Rockefeller was born in Richford, New York. By 1872 Standard Oil Company had purchased and controlled almost all refinery firms in Cleveland.
Why: John D Rockefeller was very important to the US Gilded Age because he was very successful in the business of oil. He also gave lots of money to charities.
Citation: John D Rockefeller, 1839-1937. The Rockefeller Archive Center- JDR Sr. Biographical sketch. Www.Rockarch.org
Henry Bessemer
What: Bessemer developed the first cost-efficient way to make steel. It was called the Bessemer process. He inspired the Industrial Revolution in the US.
When: Bessemer developed the process to manufacture steel in 1856.
Where: Henry Bessemer was born in Charlton, Hertfordshire, England.
Why: Henry Bessemer was important to the Gilded Age because his process helped create many things during that time period, such as skyscrapers.
Citation: Henry Bessermer. Henry Bessemer- Biography, Facts, and Pictures. Www.famousscientist.org
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877
What: The strike was the first major strike in the United States. The strikes and their violence paused the country's commerce and led 10 states governors to mobilize 60,000 militia to reopen railroad tracks.
When: The strike took place during 1877. It lasted for a few weeks.
Where: It happened at the Baltimore and Ohio station in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Workers determined to fight the to fight the wage went on strike until the 10% cut was cancelled.
Why: The people went on strike because they wanted keep their pay and not have it cut by the 10% or more.
Citation: Digital History ID 3189. The Great Railroad Strike. Digital History. www.digitalhistorys.uh.edu
Chinese Laborers
What: In 1865 the Central Pacific decided to hire Chinese Laborers to help build the transcontinental railroad. Eventually they hired 12,000 Chinese Laborers, more 90% of the workforce.
When: The Chinese started coming to the US in 1851. They started building the railroad in 1853, two years before they start hiring the Chinese Laborers.
Where: The Chinese came to America to go to Califoria to find gold. Many of them worked on the transcontinental railroad.
Why: This is important to the US because they helped build the railroad to bring our nation closer in communication and business.
Citation: Chinese Laborers in the West. Gallery2. h.ttp://apa.si.edu/ongoldmountain/gallery2/gallery2.html