Part 5/10:
The late 19th and early 20th centuries in the U.S. were characterized by rapid industrial advancement. Spanning three decades, more than 170,000 miles of railroad were laid, contributing to a newfound optimism that invigorated the economy. The return to the gold standard, signed into law by President McKinley, further affirmed this sentiment, engendering conditions that facilitated economic growth. Major corporate consolidations resulted in enhanced profitability, resulting in excessive speculative behavior.