In order to maximize profits early in the nineteenth century, what was a common practice of business owners?

In order to maximize profits ,many businessmen in the 19th century resorted to unethical business practices and thus earned the name robber barons. They did not physically rob people but they stole control over natural resources, paid unfairly low wages and pushed out their competition using questionable business practices . While their practices weren't viewed as ethical, most of the 19th century robber barons didn't commit any illegal acts, though through their actions, new laws were enacted to prevent others from following their actions.