Captain or Robber? 04/11/2011
Respond for a homework pass/bonus points!!! Use your initials ONLY!!! Were wealthy Industrialists Robber Barons or Captains of Industry? What is ONE reason that you believe John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, OR Andrew Carnegie was a Captain of Industry? AND What is ONE reason that you believe John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, OR Andrew Carnegie is a Robber Baron? CommentsEL 04/12/2011 15:11
During the Industrial Age, there were wealthy business men who were either considered 'robber barons' or 'captains of industry'. John D. Rockefeller was a captain of industry because he was not greedy with his money. He founded Standard Oil in 1870. He eventually became the wealthiest man in history by making $192 billion from his corporation. After becoming a multi-billionaire, he became interested in philanthropy. He began using his money to benefit his community. The money was used to establish the University of Chicago in 1890 and the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in New York. Although there were some wealthy businessmen that could be considered 'captains of industry', there were also some that could be considered 'robber barons'. Cornelius Vanderbilt could be considered a 'robber baron' because he was not as generous as other wealthy businessmen during this time period. He also did not earn all of his profits honestly. Vanderbilt was willing to break the law to get more money than what he already had even though he is the second wealthiest business man in history with $143 billion that he made through his steamboat company and his railroad lines. Throughout the Industrial Age, there were generous business men that should be considered 'captains of industry' such as John D. Rockefeller. However, there were also dishonest business men that should be considered 'robber barons' such as Cornelius Vanderbilt. Mr. C. 04/12/2011 16:22
Check those numbers on wealth. They may not be entirely accurate. Rockefeller was the richest American ever but I have never seen those numbers. EL 04/12/2011 17:36
I found the information on this website: Ar.K 04/13/2011 03:59
Even though EL brought up points that did make John D Rocketfeller a captain of industry, he also could be a Robber Baron. His oil company, Standard Oil, was a huge monopoly. Monopolies were unfair, because they controlled the industry. His company put out of business other oil companies near by. He earned a lot of his money through the oil company, which without it he wouldn't be as wealthy. Also, Andrew Carnegie could be considered a Captain of Industry, because later in his life, he was a major philanthropy. He donated alot of his money, so that libraies, schools, and universities could be established in the United States. Even though some might argue that Andrew Carnegie was a Robber Baron, for paying low wages, he gave back early in his life to many in the United States. AmK 04/13/2011 09:26
John D. Rockefeller is the richest American in history who was known was the “oil man”. He could be looked upon as a captain of industry because he employed millions of people by building successful businesses. Unfortunately, there were unfair business practices such as pools, trusts, monopolies, and corruptions. Due to that, John D. Rockefeller could also be looked upon as a robber baron. MR. C. 04/13/2011 09:28
EL has found a real great website about the wealthiest Americans. Her information is very accurate! Check it out! DS 04/13/2011 09:29
Agreeing with Am. K, the "leaders" of the industries can be looked upon as robber barons or captains of industry. But, they used unmoral techniques in their own greedy manner. If workers were paid fairly with conditions safe and hours compromised. They still would have gotten a lot done, maybe not as much but it would have been in favor of the people who 'hold up' the barons, like we had seen in the political cartoon. If the laborers were treated nicely, the violent chain of events would not have happened. The woman killed in the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, would have been able to go home that night, and protesters would have stayed peaceful. The top guys of the industries to me are robber barons. Leave a Reply | AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
RSS Feed