Rise of Big Business

After the civil war, big corporations were created that could mass produce goods more efficiently. So the local retail stores starting advertising and using catalogs to intrigue and attract buyers.  By 1900 big businesses were dominating the economy; the number of factories and warehouses were growing rapidly.

These corporations were owned by numerous people that could sue or be sued. These businesses created a share of ownership called stock. Big businesses made it harder for the small corporations and businesses to compete and earn what they needed to stay in business. Many people disagreed with the idea of big business because they were unethically forcing mom and pop shops to go out of business.