The years following the Civil War were times of change in American society and economy. Factories that were built to help supply the Union Army, were converted to peacetime use. Industrialization soon surpassed agriculture as America’s economic core. New technology developed during this time and contributed to the doubling of America’s economy. Industry was controlled by a few individuals holding top level positions and earning vast fortunes. This time in America’s history is called the Gilded Age. The name comes from the title of a novel written by Mark Twain. It refers to the massive fortunes amassed by businessmen and the wealthy lifestyle it supported. The leaders of this new economy were labelled “Captains of Industry,” “Moguls,” and “Robber Barons” because there were few laws at the time to regulate industry and the manner in which these industrialists earned and used their capital. These nicknames accurately represented the harsh, unethical, and exploitative practices of these industrialists. The sky was the limit for these individuals who were ruthless in their business dealings.

What was the reason for the ruthless business tactics of the “Robber Barons”?

"The great common people of this country are slaves, and monopoly is the master. The West and South are bound and prostrate before the manufacturing East..The \[political\] parties lie to us and the political speakers mislead us. We were told two years ago to go to work and raise a big crop, that was all we needed...and what came of it? Eight-cent corn, ten-cent oats, two-cent beef and no price at all for butter and eggs...We want money, land and transportation. We want the abolition of the National Banks, and we want the power to make loans direct from the government. We want the foreclosure system wiped out..."

- Mary E. Lease, lawyer, in an 1890 speech

Which of the following best explains the cause of some of the farmers' problems listed here?