The Evolution of Big Business

What was a key factor in the rise of big business in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

• Expansion of transportation systems

• Decrease in population

• Increase in taxes

• Decline in technology

How did transportation systems like railroads contribute to the success of big businesses?

• By allowing goods to be moved quickly and cheaply

• By increasing the cost of goods

• By limiting market expansion

• By reducing the need for advertising

What role did advertising play in the growth of big businesses?

• It helped reach a larger audience and increase sales

• It decreased the need for transportation

• It raised the cost of production

• It limited the market to local areas

Why was low-cost production important for big businesses?

• It allowed businesses to offer lower prices to consumers

• It increased the cost of goods

• It limited the use of new technologies

• It reduced the need for advertising

Who were the key figures behind the success of big businesses?

• Smart businessmen who took risks and saw opportunities

• Government officials who imposed regulations

• Local shop owners who resisted change

• Consumers who demanded higher prices

What were four reasons why big business succeeded according to the passage?

Match the city with the specialized industry.

• Oil

• New England/Boston, Massachusetts

• Railroads/Banking

• Detroit, Michigan

• Automobiles

• New York City

• Steel

• Cleveland, Ohio

• Textiles

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Match the person with the correct industry.

• Standard Oil

• John D. Rockefeller

• Banking/Investment

• Andrew Carnegie

• Steel

• Cornelius Vanderbilt

• Railroads

• JP Morgan

• Assembly Line/Automobiles

• Henry Ford

Match the correct inventor with the invention/accomplishment.

• First powered airplane flight

• Alexander Graham Bell

• Light Bulb

• Henry Ford

• Telephone

• Wright Brothers

• Assembly Lines

• Thomas Edison

Why did the workers at the Homestead Steel plant strike in 1892? Name what they wanted from management. Must mention at least 3 things.