Name: ___________________
Seminar Date: _____________
GROUP SEMINAR:
Topic: Gilded Age: Robber Barons or Captains of Industry?
SEMINAR PURPOSE: The Group Seminar is a highly structured student led discussion of commonly read primary source
documents, the documents are designed to present conflicting views on an important issue in American History. The purpose of the
seminar is twofold; first, to get students engaged with a primary source document. Second, to get students to reflect on history and
make critical judgments about the past (i.e., to engage in critical thinking in history).
SEMINAR RULES:
1. Students must complete Seminar Prep Questions prior to seminar in order to participate in discussion.
2. Students must reference textual evidence before speaking.
3. Participants will take turns (you MAY NOT talk until it is your turn).
4. Participants will value the opinions of the other participants.
5. Participants will treat one another with respect.
PART A: SEMINAR PREP AND ORGANIZATION QUESTIONS:
DIRECTIONS: Students must respond to the following questions in order to be prepared for the seminar. Responses must be
HANDWRITTEN. Failure to complete question responses will result in students only being able to earn up to a C on the seminar.
Question 1: Which author did you feel had the best argument for their assessment on the nineteenth-century industrialists – Zinn or
Gordon? (everyone must answer this question – each response should be under 30 seconds): the order is to the left of the leader.
Question 2: What various practices of industrialists/financiers led them to being labeled “robber barons” or “captains of industry?”
(anyone may answer this question – you should reference textual evidence before speaking): the leader will recognize those who wish
to answer this question.
Question 3: As a worker, what demands would you make of the industrialists to improve working conditions? As an industrialist, what
justifications would you use to defend your business tactics and personal wealth? (anyone may answer this question – you should
reference textual evidence before speaking): the leader will recognize those who wish to answer this question.
Question 4: By 1886,” the Supreme Court had accepted the argument that corporations were "persons" and their money was property
protected by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.” To what extent should businesses be entitled to the same rights
and privileges as American citizens? (anyone may answer this question – you should reference textual evidence before speaking): the
leader will recognize those who wish to answer this question.
Question 5: Consider the gains and losses made by strikers and unions in the period of 1890-1910. Was this movement a success or
failure of the American working class? (anyone may answer this question – you should reference textual evidence before speaking):
the leader will recognize those who wish to answer this question.
Question 6: Evaluate Zinn’s notion that “the government of the United States was behaving almost exactly as Karl Marx described a
capitalist state: pretending neutrality to maintain order, but serving the interests of the rich.” Do you agree with this statement? What
role should the government have in business? (anyone may answer this question – you should reference textual evidence before
speaking): the leader will recognize those who wish to answer this question.
Question 7: In your opinion, were the industrialists of the nineteenth-century “robber barons” or “captains of industry?” Provide
THREE reasons to support your opinion. (everyone must answer this question, individually state your opinion and your reasoning,
then go around the circle to see if there are any commonalities with each other): the order is to the right of the leader.
PART B: Come up with THREE of your own discussion questions that could be a part of the group seminar.