“Captains of Industry” or “Robber Barons”: NOTES
Prompt: The wave of industrialism that we have been studying was often driven by a few great men known as
Industrialists. There can be no mistaking their motive: wealth. There is some debate, however, on how history
should portray these industrialists.
Some feel that the powerful industrialists of the Gilded Age should be referred to as “robber barons.” This view
stresses the negative. It portrays men like John Piermont (JP) Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and
John D. Rockefeller as cruel and ruthless businessmen who would stop at nothing to achieve great wealth. These
“robber barons” were accused of exploiting workers by forcing horrible working conditions and unfair labor practices
upon them.
1. THINK and LIST: If you were Andrew Carnegie running US Steel in the late 1800’s, trying to
maximize your profit, what are some ways you make the most money possible? Remember, there are
almost NO government regulations on business. List 3.
Another view of the industrialist is that of the “captain of industry.” The term captain views these men as ingenious
industrious leaders who transformed the American economy with their business skills, and their efforts and money
contributed positively to our coutry. They were praised for their skills. In reality the debate over robber barons and
captains of industry mirrors the views of industrialism itself. Just as there were both positives and negatives to
industrialism, there were positives and negatives to the leaders of industrialism.
2. THINK and LIST: If you were Andrew Carnegie in the late 1800’s, how does US Steel contribute
positively to our nation? List 2 benefits of his business. Also, list 2 ways in which you might use
some of your excessive wealth to benefit Americans.
Stop and Jot…
Your 5 word or less description for a “robber baron”: _______________________________________________
Your 5 word or less description for a “captain of industry”:_____________________________________________
Use your thesaurus to look up and write synonyms for philanthropy: _____________________________________
Concept to understand: “Gospel of Wealth”. Read the quote from Andrew Carnegie below, and in YOUR OWN
WORDS, write describe what YOU believe the “Gospel of Wealth” means. Use your thesaurus for any word you are
unfamiliar with.
“This then is held to be the duty of the man of wealth. First: to set an example of modest, unostentatious living,
shunning display; to provide moderately for the legitimate wants of those dependent upon him, and after doing so,
to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is strictly bound as a matter of
duty, to administer in the manner which in his judgment is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for
the community. The man of wealth must become a trustee and agent for his poorer brethren, bringing to their
service his superior wisdom, experience, and ability to administer. “ –Andrew Carnegie 1889
3. The “Gospel of Wealth” means…
4. Gilded Age
Industrialists
KNOW THE
INDUSTRIES THESE
MEN MADE THEIR
FORTUNES IN:
John Piermont (JP)
Morgan earned his
wealth by:
Andrew Carnegie
earned his wealth by:
Cornelius Vanderbilt
earned his wealth by:
John Rockefeller
earned his wealth by:
5. Analyze the political cartoon (and caption) below, write one complete
sentence arguing what YOU think the artist is trying to say about John D.
Rockefeller: