What economic conditions characterized industrial growth in the late 19th century?

The economic conditions during the late 19th century were characterized by terrible working conditions and low pay for unskilled laborers. This period, often referred to as the Gilded Age, saw rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States, which led to an increase in the demand for labor. Many workers, particularly those involved in manufacturing, faced grueling hours, unsafe work environments, and meager wages.

The expansion of industries such as textiles, steel, and railroads contributed to a significant influx of laborers, including immigrants seeking economic opportunity. However, while industrial growth resulted in the creation of jobs, it did not equate to equitable wealth distribution. The profits from industrial ventures were typically concentrated among factory owners and investors, while the workers who powered these industries often experienced harsh economic realities.

Other options reflect conditions that either did not encapsulate the broader trends of the period or focused on less representative phenomena. Thus, the choice that highlights the grim realities faced by unskilled laborers stands out as a defining feature of the late 19th-century industrial economy.