Monopolies In The 19th Century

206 Words1 Pages
It was a time where both farmers and workers were struggling. Monopolies were rapidly expanding at a rate that farmers could not keep up with. With inflation lowering their profits over time from their crops, and supply and demand changing; farmers were affected even worse than ever. The monopolies had occupied only 2% of the country’s population, yet supplied the U.S. with 50% of the demands they called for. It was a frustrating time for many Americans and immigrants, the rich were getting richer and the poor only got poorer. Even though farmers were running out of business, factory workers weren't favorable conditions either. For example, at Carnegie Steelworks the workers earned less than $12.50 a week. Many factories considered a work day