The spectacular growth of the U.S. economy and the ensuing inequalities in living conditions and incomes confounded many Americans. But as industrial capitalism overtook the nation, it achieved political protections.
So I'm guessing, the wealthy politicians and upper class molded the rules so that it'd be convenient for them. As anyone does with money, even in today's current events. Even if someone were to get caught, they can easily buy themselves out unlike the minories.
The strong must grow stronger, and that they may do so, they must waste no strength in the vain task of trying to uplift the weak.”
The separation of class was definitely clear at this time period. No effort to help the lower class.
But it also created millions of low-paid, unskilled, unreliable jobs with long hours and dangerous working conditions
consequences of industrial capitalism
In 1901, financier J. P. Morgan oversaw the formation of United States Steel, built from eight leading steel companies. Industrialization was built on steel, and one firm—the world’s first billion-dollar company—controlled the market. Monopoly had arrived
"Start" of monopolization
Competition melted away in what is known as “the great merger movement.” In nine years, four thousand companies—nearly 20 percent of the American economy—were folded into rival firms.
Some examples of rival firms that we can see today are like Apple vs Microsoft, Ulta vs Sephora, Target vs Walmart, and etc.
It convinced laborers of the need for institutionalized unions, persuaded businesses of the need for even greater political influence and government aid, and foretold a half century of labor conflict in the United States.2
It's sad to see that it says "it convinced laborers" after the $40 million worth of damage and nearly 100 civilian/workers casualties to become convinced.
The governor of Maryland deployed the state’s militia. In Baltimore, the militia fired into a crowd of striking workers, killing eleven and wounding many more.
Casualties of the 1877 Railroad workers strike.
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 heralded a new era of labor conflict in the United States.
Railroad workers strike (for cut in wages) against the corporations/government.