In the early 1800s, seeds of the Industrial Revolution were sewn in the United States. Tiny seeds germinated and eventually grew into large monopolies by the mid-1860s, as the country was healing after years of war. The vast wealth created by the industrial giants during a time of little regulation resulted in the wealthiest families wielding undue influence over the government as well as the lives of citizens, rich and poor. Companies grew into powerful corporations, employing numerous people and generating an abundance of tax revenue. Top management of corporations often focused on achieving profits and wealth. CEOs believed they were omnipotent. They demanded that their employees work long hours for very low wages. Workers were compelled to blindly obey or lose their job. Some corporations tried to influence the laws and policies. Congressmen were bribed with large amounts of money to vote for laws that gave corporations undue advantage. Lawmakers were corrupt and greed was commonplace. In Takeover, the Beasley Investigation & Security Company takes on C & H Corporation and its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Grayson Vanderhoot, when he uses government money for personal enrichment, while the company teeters on the brink of bankruptcy.