In the aftermath of the American Civil War, America’s industrial age was in full swing. Inventions and practices from the British a few decades earlier had found their way into American society and brought Americans unforeseen amounts of wealth, resulting in the Gilded Age. Characterized by its extreme wealth disparity and corrupt governmental practices, The Gilded Age was known for extreme wealth inequality, laissez-faire capitalism, and the Spoils System. Extreme political gridlock, critical economic regulations, and civil service reforms are at the center of this committee.

The Second Industrial Revolution in America, spanning roughly from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, was characterized by unprecedented technological advancements, economic growth, and the rise of industrial giants. From John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil and Andrew Carnegie's U.S. Steel, monopolies were ever-present and all-powerful. Utilizing horizontal and vertical integration, they consolidated all aspects of their industries, allowing them to manipulate prices, stifle competition, and engage in questionable business practices. Concerns about unchecked power, worker rights, and regulation of the free market exemplify this committee.

Isaiah Hathaway, a junior at Maggie Walker, is excited to serve as Co-Chair for the Second Industrial Revolution Committee. This will be Isaiah’s second time working at GSMUN, originally as a crisis staffer but now as a chair. Outside of Model UN Isaiah is part of First Robotics Team 422 and the Maggie Walker Quizbowl Team. He also enjoys playing tabletop games, writing short stories, and reading fantasy novels.

Isaac Hathaway, a junior at Maggie Walker, is thrilled to serve as Co-Chair for the Second Industrial Revolution Committee. This is his second time chairing and also his second time participating in GSMUN. In addition to Model UN, Isaac is an avid member of the Maggie Walker First Robotics Team 422 The Mech Tech Dragons, and the Maggie Walker Quiz Bowl Team. Outside of school, you can find Isaac playing tabletop games, CADing, and 3D printing a myriad of curios.