Final answer:
Loose financial regulations kept the American economy afloat at the turn of the century in the context of business ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that kept the American economy afloat at the turn of the century in the context of business ethics was Loose Financial Regulations.
During this time, there were limited regulations on the financial industry, allowing for more freedom and flexibility in conducting business.
Unlike other factors such as strict environmental regulations, ethical corporate practices, and aggressive marketing strategies, loose financial regulations enabled businesses to engage in practices that may have been seen as less ethical, but were ultimately more beneficial for the economy as a whole.