During the 1870's and 80's big business arrived in the United States. The growth of railroads had laid the basis for further expansion but the actual overall success of big business came during difficult economic times. Large efficient corporations began to prosper. Business leaders struggled to be competitive and even develop monopolies in certain industries.
John D. Rockefeller was one of the most famous business leaders of his time. Rockefeller had been in the oil business since the mid 1860's. He owned the Standard Oil Company which became a monopoly that was run by a trust and ca…
