The Gilded Age: America's Golden Age

The Gilded Age was known as America’s golden age, where manufacturing, industry and urbanization were at it’s prime, where Business Tycoons held the market in their hands with large monopolies. There is much debate over whether or not these industrial leaders are Robert Barons, as in they used people for their own gain, or Philanthropists, as they helped others and the greater good. Some might argue that these people cheated their way to the top to amass great wealth, with no regard to the people around them. However, Business Tycoons in the Gilded Age were Philanthropists because of how they spread their wealth through charitable giving, funding or sponsoring colleges and aiding economy.

Generous donations are always appreciated, especially for a cause such as a love for art or literature. JP Morgan himself was an art lover, and helped fund, in fact spearheaded the project, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He donated his entire art collection, which he started when he was just 19, and even was a trustee of the museum for 44 years.
“...the manufacturing sector of the economy generated $3 billion, a figure which rose to $13 billion by 1900. This was accompanied by an increase in America's labor force from 13 million to 19 million people.” (“Economy in the Gilded Age”) The explosion of development of manufacturing, in America during the Gilded Age brought many jobs for the increasing population of immigrants coming to America. JP Morgan has used his influence and wealth to help the country with economical crisis on multiple occasions. “In 1895, Morgan assisted in rescuing America’s gold standard when he headed a banking syndicate that loaned the federal government more than $60 million.” (JP Morgan, History.com) By aiding his government in financial times of need he shows he wants to better his country and not run it to the