Robber Baron or Captain of Industry? Goal: To be “hired” by Mrs. Snyder as the greatest “Captain of Industry” from the Gilded Age while dashing hopes of the other Robber Barons. Prompt: The wave of industrialism that hit post Civil War era was often driven by a few men known as the 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 age should be referred to as “robber barons.” This view stresses the negative aspects. It portrays men like JP Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, John Rockefeller, Jay Gould and Henry Ford 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. Another view of the industrialist is the “captain of industry.” The term “captain” views these men as ingenious industrious leaders who transformed the American economy with their business skills. They were praised for this and given much credit for making America wealthy and powerful. In reality, the debate over robber barons and captains of industry mirrors the views of industrialism itself. Just as there were both postives and negatives to industrailsm, there were positives and negatives to the leaders of industrialism. Instructions: 1. Pick ONE of the following businessmen to research: John Piermont Morgan (JP Morgan) John D. Rockefeller Andrew Carnegie Cornelius Vanderbilt Jay Gould Henry Ford 2. Fill out the form on the back of this page that explains your industrialist. 3. Research NEGATIVE information about the other industrialists to make them appear to be Robber Barons AND create questions to challenge the other students’ research to their “captain of industry.” 4. Prep for the debate outside of class by organizing information found and structuring questions for other industrialists. 5. Debate in class Wed/Thursday: each student is responsible for presenting information in support of their industrialist as a “captain” AND asking questions to make others look like “robber barons.” 6. The best representative will be selected at each table to be at the final table to defend their persons. The winner will receive enrichment towards this assignment. Industrial Leader:______*Utilize specific, concrete examples in this chart. How he acquired his wealth.

How he (or his related industries) treated his workers.

How he spent his money.

How he donated his money.

Why he was better than other “robber barons?” What contributions did he make to American economy?

Conclusion: Based on the information above, was he a robber baron or captain of industry? Explain your response with EVIDENCE. Now research evidence of the other industrialists focusing on poor business tactics or other issues to gain wealth. JP Morgan

Andrew Carnegie

Cornelius Vanderbilt

John D. Rockefeller

Jay Gould

Henry Ford