In the years following the Civil War, the American economy suffered from extreme disorder. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, important American industry leaders emerged, essentially transforming the American financial system from chaos to efficiency. These powerful men made America a global superpower and the country's economy sparked jealousies across the world. Their business contributions have had a positive impact not only on the United States economy, but also on society. Andrew Carnegie, John Davison Rockefeller, and John Pierpont Morgan reflect America's gigantic industrial era. Although some may argue that these industrialists were "robber barons", these men were actually "captains of industry" using modern business practices and technologies that provided both cheap products and employment opportunities. to the public, and also became large-scale philanthropists. and contributing much to American society. Carnegie became the leader of the steel industry by founding the Carnegie Steel Company in the 1870s. He employed new technologies that modernized his business strategies. The use of modern technologies such as the Bessemer process, among other inventions, has led to increased productivity and, therefore, cheaper products for the American public. These innovations also led to efficient mass production of steel for railroads, positively influencing transportation as well as westward expansion. Additionally, the speed at which steel production allowed for the construction of railroads established the infrastructure needed for the future. Carnegie's steel industry was clearly technologically ahead of the competition of its day. Rockefeller sparked efficiency in the oil industry by creating middle of paper......people today. Carnegie, Rockefeller and Morgan were clearly “captains of industry”. Carnegie took advantage of the modern technology available at the time to positively impact the steel industry. Rockefeller spread order throughout the oil industry and led to the development of new products as well as a decrease in the cost of oil. Morgan saved the country from financial disaster twice and brought stability to the national economy. The labor market now offers various opportunities to immigrants, who constitute the majority of the working population. These great men were also philanthropists, which essentially distinguished them from the “robber barons”. Overall, they encouraged the growth of the American economy into one of the strongest in the world. Works Cited Hakim, Joy. Like American History: An Age of Extremes. New York: Oxford University Press. Print.