Episode two explores the issues before the court during the period after the Civil War, a time of unprecedented economic growth,

Episode two explores the issues before the court during the period after the Civil War, a time of unprecedented economic growth, when industrialists like Carnegie and Rockefeller were earning millions. As corporations became more powerful they found an unlikely ally in the Supreme Court. While the 14th Amendment was passed to make certain that the states were obligated to recognize the rights of the newly freed slaves, the court would for almost 100 years use the amendment to protect not blacks but big business, recognizing corporations as "persons" and awarding them sweeping legal protection.