The Gilded Age: The Rise and Fall of Marshall Field, Chicago's Department Store Magnate

The Gilded Age was a period of rapid economic growth and social change in the United States. It was also a time of great wealth and inequality. One of the most prominent figures of the Gilded Age was Marshall Field, the founder of the Chicago department store that bears his name. Field was a shrewd businessman who built his empire on the backs of his employees. He was also a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to the city of Chicago.

Early Life and Career

Marshall Field was born in Conway, Massachusetts, in 1834. He moved to Chicago in 1856 and began working as a clerk in a dry goods store. In 1865, he opened his own store, Field, Leiter & Company. The store was a success, and Field quickly became one of the leading merchants in Chicago.

What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age

by Renée Rosen

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1415 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	443 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

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In 1881, Field bought out his partner, Leiter, and renamed the store Marshall Field & Company. The store continued to grow and prosper, and Field became one of the wealthiest men in Chicago.

The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age was a period of great economic growth and social change in the United States. It was also a time of great wealth and inequality. The rapid industrialization of the country led to the creation of new fortunes, but it also led to the exploitation of workers.

Marshall Field was one of the most prominent figures of the Gilded Age. He was a shrewd businessman who built his empire on the backs of his employees. He was also a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to the city of Chicago.

Field's Business Practices

Field was a ruthless businessman who was determined to succeed. He drove his employees hard and paid them low wages. He also used his wealth to influence politicians and gain favorable treatment for his business.

Field's business practices were often criticized by his contemporaries. He was accused of being a ruthless exploiter of his employees. He was also accused of using his wealth to corrupt politicians.

Despite the criticism, Field's business practices were successful. He built Marshall Field & Company into one of the largest and most successful department stores in the world.

Field's Philanthropy

Despite his ruthless business practices, Field was also a generous philanthropist. He donated millions of dollars to the city of Chicago. He also founded several charities, including the Field Museum of Natural History and the Field Foundation.

Field's philanthropy was motivated by a desire to give back to the city that had made him so wealthy. He believed that the wealthy had a responsibility to help those who were less fortunate.

The Legacy of Marshall Field

Marshall Field died in 1906. He left behind a legacy of wealth and philanthropy. He was one of the most prominent figures of the Gilded Age, and his department store was one of the most iconic businesses in Chicago.

Field's legacy is still alive today. The Marshall Field & Company department store continues to operate in Chicago, and the Field Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Field's story is a reminder of the excesses of the Gilded Age. It is also a reminder of the power of philanthropy to make a difference in the world.

Marshall Field was a complex and controversial figure. He was a shrewd businessman who built his empire on the backs of his employees. He was also a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to the city of Chicago. Field's legacy is still alive today. The Marshall Field & Company department store continues to operate in Chicago, and the Field Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Field's story is a reminder of the excesses of the Gilded Age. It is also a reminder of the power of philanthropy to make a difference in the world.

What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age

by Renée Rosen

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1415 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	443 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE