In the Gilded Age real story, J. Pierpont Morgan was a major player. He was a powerful banker. He had a role in financing many large - scale industrial projects. His influence extended to many industries. On the social side, Jane Addams was important. She founded Hull House in Chicago, which was a settlement house providing help to the poor, especially immigrants. Her work was crucial in highlighting the social problems of the Gilded Age.
Andrew Carnegie was an important figure. He built a huge steel empire. His business practices, like vertical integration, were very influential. John D. Rockefeller in the oil industry was also significant. He formed Standard Oil, which became a monopoly. Another important figure was Cornelius Vanderbilt in railroads. He amassed great wealth through his railroad business.