The Gilded Age was a time in American history that received its name due to the huge fortunes it created for different citizens. During this era, robber barons became an integral part of society. Robber barons were individuals who became rich/dominant in a particular industry through business deals. Some examples of robber barons include John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and JP Morgan.
John D. Rockefeller represented the Gilded Age well during this time. His monopoly on the oil industry allowed him to be considered one of the richest people in American history. At one point, Rockefeller controlled roughly 90% of the oil consumed in the United States. This allowed Rockefeller to live a lavish lifestyle.