$100 invested back in 1900 would have turned into $1.2 million approx - adjusted for inflation $315k approx
To say that inflation takes a bite out of things is an understatement.
I think your figures are off.
The US stock market returned about 10% with dividend reinvestment over the last 121 years (since year 1900). That means $100 invested in the stock market would have become $10 million after 121 years (assuming you paid no taxes).
Inflation since 1900 has been 30x in total. So that $10 million your great grand kids would have today, buys about what $300K bought in 1900.
$300K back in 1900 was a lot of money.. The same as $10 million today.
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