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After the Civil War, what happened to the relations between business and labor?

User Jdiver
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After the Civil War, the relations between business and labor underwent significant changes. During the war, the federal government had imposed strict controls on wages and working conditions to ensure that industries could continue to function and supply the military with goods. However, these controls were lifted after the war, and businesses were able to return to their pre-war practices.

One of the most significant changes was the rise of the "robber barons," a group of wealthy industrialists who controlled vast amounts of capital and used it to exploit workers and extract profits. These individuals, such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan, were able to use their wealth and influence to shape the economy and government policies to their advantage.

At the same time, workers began to organize and demand better wages and working conditions. Labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, were formed to advocate for workers' rights and to negotiate with employers over pay and benefits. However, these efforts were often met with resistance and violence from employers and their agents.

Overall, the post-Civil War period saw a significant widening of the gap between the wealthy and the working class, as well as a rise in labor unrest and conflict. This period set the stage for many of the labor struggles and reforms of the early 20th century.

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