Robber Barons Essay

business wiped out the United States. Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller were considered to be big business leaders throughout the 19th century, but many people questioned whether these two men should be viewed as Captain of Industry or Robber Barons. These two men should be considered as the captain of industry because they helped in one way or the other to grow business, and with the profits that they made, they give back to the society to benefit everyone else rather than themselves. Andrew

Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan all had different goals and strategies set for their businesses, which they received tons criticism. People felt they were manipulating the financial system for their own good, this is where the term Robber Baron is brought up. A “Robber Baron” is a person who has become rich through ruthless and unscrupulous business practices. The big business executives felt their strategies would help improve the economy and the people would accept the changes that were made. Andrew

of an American Dreamer by Steven Millhauser is a novel that accurately displays the progress of the United States in the time period. Progress was in the air and ideas were sprouting. The citizen of Martin’s time desired the next big thing. The Robber Baron of this time period has both similarities and differences with Martin. Martin strived to be successful, but did it the right way. Martin’s desire for the latest technological advancements was also prominent. Millhauser accurately represents the

more dependent” (Doc A). His writing displays the unfairness that was associated with wealthy industrialists. A small portion of wealthy businessmen were controlling all of America. This unfairness is further shown in the political cartoon The Robber Barons of Today. This cartoon published by the Granger collection highlights the plight of the poor laborers at the mercy of wealthy industrialists who control trusts and monopolize the public. The cartoon stresses its point as the workers desperately

businesses would monopolize their competition and exploit others for their sake. The Captains of Industry at the time of the Gilded Age were characterized as “robber barons” who were willing to do anything for wealth and power. The term robber baron means a person who has become rich through ruthless and corrupt business tactics. These robber barons used extreme methods to control and concentrate their wealth and power by lacking morals, using intimidation, bribery, fraud and by being blinded by the fact

blossoming of the American economy. However, the individuals who were at the forefront during the Gilded Age such as Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller should be referred to Robber Baron’s as the name captures their deceitful nature, greediness, and thirst for power. The Robber Baron’s displayed traits that made them not trustworthy. They tend to say what the people want to hear rather than openly discussing their true motives. Andrew Carnegie believed that the wealthy men

throughout the nation, citizens of industrial America not only knew of, but experienced the effects of the capitalists’ selfish intentions. This unfair treatment and inconsideration of the lower class earned these industrialists the nickname, “robber barons.” In 1879, Henry George stated in Progress and Poverty that the gap between the poor and the wealthy was growing. While the wealthy class became more wealthy, the poor became more independent. Differences between the employee and the employer

world, and America became a leading world power. They provided the public with products that were in high demand for reasonable prices, and opened their markets to countries overseas. Although many people believe the early industrialists were Robber Barons who exploited the poor, these great men were truly Captains of Industry who created new ways of doing

industrialists came to be an important part of society. Depending on who they were and how they used their money, they were either labeled a captain of industry or a robber baron. Captains of industry were seen as the better people as they used their money to positively contribute to society, for example by donating to charities. Robber barons were seen as negative people who used their money only

Robber Baron: someone who manipulates others at a disadvantage to succeed or prosper by himself. Captain of Industry: someone who uses intelligence and clever business tactics to achieve economic prosperity. Document A: In the first quote, Carnegie means that the men share their wealth with the community; they help the less fortunate prosper as well. Carnegie implies that the men make money for not only themselves but others. By “survival of the fittest,” Carnegie means that the most capable people