Introduction
Task
The Industrial Age: Robber Barons or Captains of Industry?
During the late nineteenth century into the early twentieth century America experienced a wave of industrialism driven by a group of men known as industrialists. There is no doubt that these industrialists were driven by one motive, and that was wealth. However, historians and others debate the title to be bestowed on these men – that of “captains of industry” or “robber barons”!
Robber Barons were unscrupulous speculators, and corporate buccaneers, of shady business practices, and scandal-plagued politics.
Captain of Industry was a business leader whose means of amassing a personal fortune contributed positively to the country in some way.
By identifying these individuals as captains of industry, we offer a positive impression of their achievements as men of inventiveness whose hard work and ingenious strategies transformed the American economy of the post-Reconstruction era and the early 20th century. These men are to also be honored for their charitable activities (philanthropy).
In extending the title of robber baron to these men, we emphasize the cruel and self-centered entrepreneurs who took advantage of the worker, whether it be immigrant, female, or child to accumulate wealth. The factory was a place where the worker experienced harsh conditions and poor pay.
ASSIGNMENT: The industrialists of the late nineteenth century are best characterized as ________________. Defend your choice.
Process
There were many important figures who were pivotal during the Industrial Age in America; from 1870-1900. Among them were Andrew Carnegie, John D Rockefeller, JP Morgan, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Leland Stanford, Jay Gould, and Henry Frick.
In this web quest you will learn about each of these men and then write a summary on one of them answering the questions below. You will post your summary in the Forum entitled Robber Baron or Captain of Industry.
Let's begin by learning about the period; watch the video below:
Now that you have learned about the period, let's get to work!
Choose one of the people listed below. Click on their name and visit the link. Read the selection. Consider the questions below and then write a summary about that man of the Industrial Age; was he a Robber Baron or Captain of Industry?
- Describe the contributions of each of the industrialists
- In what ways did they achieve their wealth?
- What tactics did they use in “building their empires”?
- What were their accomplishments in business?
- What was each one’s reputation as a business man?
- How did he treat his workers?
- How did he spend his money?
- Positive/negative quotes from others
Evaluation
Be sure to upload your summary on the link below and then participate in the debate.
Were the men of the Industrial Age Robber Barons or Captains of Industry?
Conclusion
Whether you believe the men of the Industrial Age were Robber Barons or Captains of Industry they still contributed to the American economy and made the country what it is today!
Credits
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Mrs. Sedmak