Captains of Industry or Robber Barons?
During the late nineteenth century into the early twentieth century America experiences a wave of industrialism
driven by a group of men known as industrialists. There is no doubt that these industrialists were driven by the
desire to accumulate wealth. However, historians and others debate the title to be bestowed on these men –
that of “captains of industry” or “robber barons”!
By identifying these individuals as captains of industry, we offer a positive impression of their achievements as
men of inventiveness who hard work and ingenious strategies transformed the American economy of the postReconstruction era and the early 20th century. These men are to also be honored for their charitable activities
(philanthropy).
In extending the title of robber baron to these men, we emphasize the cruel and self-centered entrepreneurs
who took advantage of the worker, whether it be immigrant, female, or child to accumulate wealth. The factory
was a place where the worker experienced harsh conditions and poor pay.
1. Visit the links provided that relate to your assigned historical figure. Read the selections. Create a brief fact
sheet on each of the individuals below using the table provided. Be sure to describe the achievements of each
man. In what ways did they gain their wealth? What tactics did they use in “building their empires”? What
were their accomplishments in business? What was each one’s reputation as a business man?
2. Write a brief response to the prompt: The industrialist _____________________ [name of your assigned
industrialist] is best characterized as _____________________. [robber baron or captain of industry] Defend
your choice.
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
The Industrial Age in America: Robber Barons and Captains of Industry —
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=429
Name _______________________________________________________________________ Date _______________________
Robber Baron or
Captain of Industry?
http://edsitement.neh.gov
Group Members:
Assigned Individual
How he acquired
his wealth.
How he (or his related
industries) treated workers.
How he spent
his money.
How he donated
his money.
Robber Baron or
Captain of Industry?
Permission is granted to educators to reproduce this worksheet for classroom use.
Biography Links for “Captains of Industry or Robber Barons?” Assignment
Note: Please start with the resources below for your assigned historical figure.
You may use other valid Internet resources if needed.
Andrew Carnegie (PBS)
Henry Frick (PBS)
Jay Gould (The Biography Channel)
James J. Hill (PBS)
JP Morgan (PBS)
John D. Rockerfeller (PBS)
Leland Stanford (PBS)
Cornelius Vanderbilt (The Biography Channel)