AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Business Consolidation (Day 181/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Business Consolidation as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Mergers in Manufacturing and Mining, 1895-1900, AP US History 1979 DBQ

In the late 19th century, rapid technological advancements, access to capital, and a competitive landscape drove business consolidation, leading to the formation of trusts, monopolies, and large corporations.

Rising of the Usurpers, and the Sinking of the Liberties of the People, New York Public Library

Corporations expanded in size and influence and often formed trusts, consolidating multiple businesses under a single board of trustees. Some trusts evolved into monopolies, dominating entire industries and exerting immense control over production, pricing, and distribution. 

Bosses of the Senate, United States Senate

With a laissez-faire attitude from the federal government, less stringent regulation around business practices allowed companies to pursue these mergers and acquisitions facilitating the growth of monopolies and trusts.

Economies of Scale, Napkin Finance

Economies of scale became increasingly evident, as larger companies could produce goods more efficiently and at lower costs. This further encouraged businesses to consolidate to achieve greater profitability.

Visionary entrepreneurs utilized business consolidation and economies of scale to dominate industries, sparking concerns about unchecked power, monopolistic control, and the need for regulatory intervention.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Building Industrial Empires in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!