How did the leaders of the gilded age get wealthy?

Leaders of the Gilded Age accumulated wealth primarily through industrialization and the expansion of railroads, which facilitated trade and commerce. They often engaged in monopolistic practices, creating trusts to control markets and eliminate competition, as seen with figures like John D. Rockefeller in oil and Andrew Carnegie in steel. Additionally, they capitalized on lax regulations and exploited labor, leading to vast fortunes while contributing to significant socio-economic disparities. Their wealth was often accompanied by philanthropy, as many sought to bolster their legacies through charitable endeavors.