What were the criticisms and defenses of big businesses during industrialism?
Answer Criticisms: 1. Big business (BB) created monopolies that took away freedom for buyers to purchase goods at fair and competitive prices. 2. BB tended to run out of business smaller businesses in order to control more of the market 3. BB violated basic American principles of free enterprise and capitalism 4. BB took advantage of western farmers and monopolized the railroad industry in the west Defenses: 1. BB helped the nation to grow economically at a faster pace than ever before 2. BB helped push technological developments at an accelerated pace, leading to new inventions (incandescent light bulb, sewing machine, internal combustion engine, telephone, radio, automobile, etc…) 3. BB provided jobs for thousands of immigrants as they poured into America from many Eastern European countries 4. BB helped elevate the standard of living in the United States to a level unparalleled anywhere in the world. And there you have it.
