gilded age

The Gilded Age

Committee Description

As the nation finally recovers from the vestiges of the Civil War, for the first time in history, America laid its full potential open to the industrialists. This so-called “Gilded Age” to many who despise the expansion of industry presents itself with a bounty that stretches from Sea to Shining Sea, a prize now more wealthy than the isles of Britain and their industrial might. Yet, a pie simply for the taking is not simply left without competition. You, the great Robber Barons of the United States, now find yourself in the chasm that is unfettered capitalism. Thus, it is your task to ensure that it is your hand that determines both Wall Street and the Oval Office, and Congress, in any way necessary.

Topic A – The Greatest Baron

Although the economy is quickly becoming ever concentrated by each industry, competition amongst the trusts still grows as they expand to control the entire market. Started by Carnegie with his consolidation of all steel, coal, iron, rail and shipping to allow for his mills to produce without hassle, vertical along with horizontal integration will be the two ways for your trust to grow moving forwards. So, through any way possible, whether it’s by bribing politicians, sending pinkertons to end worker strikes, undercutting competition, or whatever the situation desires.

Topic B – The Perfect Machine

With the Gilded Age, politics shall forever be changed. While the political machine still existed before the inception of the post-Reconstruction monopolisation, trusts could now use this as a way to forever dominate politics, beyond just the occasional bribe. While the current government looks favourably upon business interests, progressive politicians and muckrackers are making it increasingly difficult to consolidate the US economy. Thus, both Congress and the Oval Office must be insured for Big Business before the worst occurs.

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