To assist you with your assignment, I'll provide a hypothetical situation to complete the Hexagonal Thinking diagram and address the connections. I recommend that you customize the content based on your specific learning material, as I do not have access to the original diagram.
STEP 1: Hexagonal Thinking: Big Business Diagram
- Steel
- John D. Rockefeller
- Immigrant Labor
- Plain Indians Resistance
- Monopolies
(Note: The above options are for illustrative purposes. Please adjust accordingly based on the actual terms you have in your study material.)
STEP 2: CONNECTION #1
Connection: John D. Rockefeller and Monopolies
John D. Rockefeller was one of the most influential figures in the establishment of monopolies during the late 19th century, particularly through his company, Standard Oil. His practices of consolidating smaller oil companies into one large monopoly allowed him to control the oil market and significantly reduce prices. This business model exemplified the dangers of monopolistic practices, where competition was stifled and consumers ultimately had fewer choices. Rockefeller’s aggressive tactics, including price wars and secret deals with railroads, not only made him incredibly wealthy but also drew public outcry and led to the eventual introduction of antitrust laws. Anti-monopoly sentiment arose partly as a reaction to Rockefeller’s actions, highlighting the interconnectedness of industrial growth and regulatory change in American history.
STEP 3: CONNECTION #2
Connection: Steel and Immigrant Labor
The steel industry in the United States was heavily reliant on immigrant labor, especially during the industrial boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Immigrants provided the labor necessary to fuel the expansion of steel manufacturing, including the construction of railroads and large infrastructures such as bridges and skyscrapers. Factory owners often sought cheap labor that could be easily exploited, leading to harsh working conditions for many immigrants. This relationship not only helped shape the economy of the time but also contributed to the labor movement as workers, driven by poor conditions and low wages, began to organize for better treatment and rights. The steel industry serves as a key example of how immigrant labor was central to America's industrial development while also showcasing social struggles that arose from economic exploitation.
STEP 4: CONNECTION #3
Connection: Monopolies, Steel, and John D. Rockefeller
The concept of monopolies is vividly illustrated by John D. Rockefeller’s control over the steel industry, which, like his oil empire, was characterized by consolidation and dominance. While Rockefeller is primarily associated with oil, the interconnected nature of industries meant that techniques used to monopolize one sector often translated into others, including steel. Both industries saw the emergence of few large players who squeezed out smaller competitors, leading to calls for reform that presaged the eventual passage of antitrust legislation. Rockefeller’s success in creating a monopoly not only influenced his industry but also set a precedent for other industrialists who followed suit in steel and beyond, demonstrating the pattern of concentration in American business that accompanied industrial growth.
STEP 5: CONNECTION #4
Connection: Plain Indians Resistance, Immigrant Labor, and Steel
The resistance of Plain Indians to American expansion and the rise of immigrant labor in the steel industry are connected through the broader narrative of American industrialization and its social implications. As the U.S. expanded westward, the push for resources, including the steel needed for railroads and other infrastructure, led to the displacement and resistance of Indigenous peoples. Concurrently, the demand for labor to support this expansion attracted numerous immigrants, who were often seen as a solution to labor shortages created by the robust steel industry. While immigrant labor fueled economic growth, it also underscored the tension between industrial development and Indigenous rights, as the latter was often sacrificed in the name of progress. The relationship highlights the complexities and often conflicting narratives of growth, resistance, and the consequences of an expanding economy on marginalized groups.
Feel free to adjust the terms and explanations to better fit your coursework and the specific hexagon terms you are working with!
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