Industrialization and the Gilded Age Essay Assignment
Robber Barons or Captains of Industry?
In 1934, Matthew Josephson wrote the following words of the industrial giants of the Gilded Age:
The members of this new ruling class were generally, and quite aptly, called “barons,” “kings,” “empirebuilders,” or even “emperors.” They were aggressive men, as were the first feudal barons; sometimes they were
lawless; in important crises, nearly all of them tended to act without those established moral principles which
fixed more or less the conduct of the common people of the community. At the same time, it has been noted,
many of them showed volcanic energy and qualities of courage which, under another economic clime, might
have fitted them for immensely useful social constructions, and rendered them glorious rather than hateful to
their people. These men were robber barons as were their medieval counterparts, the dominating figures of an
aggressive economic age.1
Josephson’s term “robber barons” has stuck, though the debate about whether or not it is a fair assessment of these
men still rages. Were they robber barons, stealing profits from the hard work of their laborers, or were they Captains of
Industry, changing the U.S. economy for the better and creating long-term economic growth? Answering this question is
your task in this essay.
Standards
History B3: Demonstrate an understanding of the lives of selected individuals who have had a
major influence on history.
History C2: Examine and analyze primary and secondary sources in order to differentiate between
historical facts and historical interpretations, and support or reject historical hypotheses.
Task
1. Choose one of the following industrialists from the late 19th and early 20th century to research:
-John D. Rockefeller
-Andrew Carnegie
-Cornelius Vanderbilt
-J. P. Morgan
2. Examine the industrialist’s life history and role in shaping the American economy. Here are a few
questions to guide your research, though you do not need to answer all of them directly:
-What industry was he involved?
-What business practices did he use?
-How did he use his incredible wealth?
-What decisions did he make or what important events was he involved in?
-How did he treat his employees?
Ultimately, decide whether you think the industrialist was a “captain of industry,” leading America’s
economy into the modern age, or a “ robber baron,” stealing from the poor to make himself richer.
3. Present your research in a focused, thesis-based essay in which you argue the category that your
industrialist best fits into. Your final product should be at least 1½-2 double-spaced pages, 12-point
font, with correct MLA citations for the sources that you use. Following a basic 5-Paragraph format
would be a good idea, with 3 main points, each with a separate body paragraph. See the rubric on
the reverse of this page for more specific details.
1
From: Matthew Josephson, The Robber Barons, Orlando, Florida: Harcourt, 1934.
Use the rubric below to help guide your research. You should present a clear thesis: either that your
industrialist is a robber baron or a captain of industry, and explain why with at least 3 reasons. Each
reason should contain evidence from your research to fully support the idea. Use the MLA format to
create a bibliography and parenthetical citations in your text (you may use easybib.com if you wish,
but be sure to copy and paste the citations into your own word processing document).
Robber Baron Essay Scoring Rubric
Thesis
4 – A clear, strong thesis statement dynamically links the ideas of the entire essay.
3 – Thesis statement is clear.
2 – Thesis is present, but lacks full clarity or development.
1 – Thesis is vague/unclear.
Content and Evidence
4 – Thesis is supported by 3 different paragraphs with complete evidential support.
3 – 3 different reasons support the thesis with some evidence.
2 – 2 different reasons support the thesis and some evidence is present.
1 – Reasons to support the thesis are lacking and evidence is unclear.
Organization
4 – Introduction, 3 Body Paragraphs, and a Conclusion are all present and well developed.
3 – Introduction, 3 Body Paragraphs and a Conclusion are all present.
2 – One paragraph is missing or paragraphs are consistently not fully developed.
1 – Several paragraphs are missing or incomplete.
Grammar, Punctuation, Mechanics, Spelling, etc.
4 – The essay reads well and is mistake-free.
3 – A couple of mistakes exist, but it does not take away from the quality of the essay.
2 – At least one mistake per paragraph begins to take away from the essay’s quality.
1 – More than one mistake per paragraph.
Sources and Citations
4 – 3 different sources are used and properly cited.
3 – 2 different sources are used and properly cited.
2 – 2 sources are used and citations contain errors.
1 – 1 source is used and citations contain errors.