Highlight: Thomas Edison's inventions, particularly the light bulb and phonograph, transformed American society.

Example: Alexander Graham Bell's telephone invention revolutionized long-distance communication.

Definition: Social Darwinists were theorists who believed that individuals achieved their social status through natural competition and inherent abilities.

Quote: "The completion of the transcontinental railroad was one of America's most impressive undertakings, connecting the Union to the west and facilitating trade with Asia."

Definition: Vertical Integration refers to an organization controlling all phases of manufacturing from mining to marketing, while Horizontal Integration involves combining with competitors to dominate a market.

Highlight: The Interstate Commerce Act was a landmark legislation that established fair practices in the railroad industry and created the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Example: The Standard Oil Company, founded by John D. Rockefeller, exemplified successful monopolistic practices, controlling almost the entire world petroleum market.

Vocabulary: Interlocking Directorates - A business practice introduced by J.P. Morgan where executives serve on multiple companies' boards of directors.