The document discusses the terms "robber baron" and "captain of industry" as they relate to prominent American businessmen in the Gilded Age. It notes that while robber baron was a negative term used by citizens to describe businessmen who made their fortunes through questionable means, some argue these men were actually "captains of industry" who intended to ethically acquire wealth to support the country. It then examines John D. Rockefeller and his use of horizontal integration through Standard Oil, as well as Andrew Carnegie's use of vertical integration in the steel industry, to discuss whether these men were truly robber barons or captains of industry.

1. Robber Barons
Is there a difference between the names "Robber Baron" and "Captains of the Industry"? A robber
baron was a negative title contrived by the citizens from the Gilded Age about some of the
businessmen. These entrepreneurs made their fortune by questionable means. They took
advantage of everyone else to raise themselves on a social level. Even though in this century what
they did was unethical, there were no laws to prevent these actions made by the robber barons.
However, the men may have been mistakenly denominated. Perhaps, some of these deceiving
gentlemen were captains of the industry instead of robber barons. A captain of the industry was a
business leader who had ethical intentions to acquire enough personal fortune to support the
country in a positive way. These business eminences made their money in an honest way in order
to donate (like a philanthropist). So, were they robber barons, or were they captains of the
industry? One man in particular was John D. Rockefeller. Standard Oil Company is where and how
he shaped his fortune and would become the largest trust. This was due to the use of horizontal
integration which is the process of spinning out the competition by buying rival companies. This
practice of business would soon lead to the development of a monopoly. Another way that he would
build a monopoly was to expand his...show more content...
While Rockefeller used horizontal integration, Andrew resorted to vertical integration. He would
invest in the companies that were needed for his business, such as railroads to ship his product
and iron mines he used to make steel. This reduced costs of making his steel. Not only did he use
vertical integration, some of his associates had discovered a new, and unfamiliar and more effective
way to make steel. Taking iron and put carbon into it, they would do. This act made easy on the
pocketbook steel that was sold for high
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2. Robber Barons Essay
Throughout our lifetime many successful leaders have been recognized in the United States.
Without their consistent amount of effort some advancements we have in today's society wouldn't
have taken place. These leaders are known to be as captain of industry. Besides there being
advocates who benefited America there have been some other prospects who have done the opposite
which portrayed them to being rude and self–centered. Prospects who fit under this category are
known to be as robber barons.
Many industrialists have been part in all aspects of an American based society. These group of
financier's ideas made America reach its greatest potential. Most resources we use today such as
commute and finding ways to cure diseases wouldn't have existed if it wasn't for these brilliant
minds. A name of a significant prospect that shows these elements of prospering America would be
John D. Rockefeller. This brilliant...show more content...
Due to his insecure and selfish mindset many civilians didn't succeed and unfortunately was
acknowledged as the unprosperous members of their generation. This individual is known to be
as Andrew Carnegie most people remember him for forming a musical based location known as
Carnegie Hall. Except there is more prior details which makes him display this centralized idea of
being a robber baron. Carnegie was very fond of the steel business he managed to find way to
revolutionize the steel industry. One factoid to demonstrate how Carnegie did that was by turning
iron into steel cheaply. This significant individual had owned every piece of production from mines
to mills. During around Carnegie existence, one of America's greatest hardships had taken place
which was known to be as the Great Depression. During the depression many middle class workers
got laid off and didn't have the money to afford basic
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3. The Robber Barons Essay
The Robber Barons
When the names Carnagie, Rockefeller, and Pullman come to mind, most of us automatically
think of what we saw or read in our history books: "These men were kind and generous and
through hard work and perseverance, any one of you could become a success story like them,"
right? Wrong. I am sick of these people being remembered for the two or three "good deeds" they
have done. Publicity and media have exaggerated the generosity of these men, the government has
spoiled these names with false lies, and people have been blind to see that these men were ruthless,
sly businessmen who were motivated by your money and their struggle for power.
George M. Pullman is best remembered for his contributions to the railroad...show more content...
Rockefeller. A picture in my history book shows a group of people watching an old Rockefeller
crouch over to accept a flower from a little girl. The caption reads "John D. Rockefeller, American
industrialist and philanthropist, is caught doing one of his good deeds."
No wonder that only a handful of people can't distinguish that this old man was a crock and
deserves to rot in hell! With all this positive media attention, the public had been fed lies! In real
life, this money hungry, greedy villain is the prime reason why the Sherman Antitrust Act was
passed. Rockefeller's dream was to monopolize the oiling industry, and he so successfully did.
Because of his great empire (the Standard Oil Co.) and the wealth it brought, when any other
competitor tried even to step foot into the oiling industry, Rockefeller dropped his prices until the
rookie industry was forced out. After he ! regained monopoly, he then jacked up the prices. Sure, the
people were mad, but what could they do? Many other industries depended on the oil that
Rockefeller provided and besides, the Sherman Antitrust Act couldn't be enforced with these big
businesses growing larger and larger.
He donated over 2500 libraries worldwide, he helped establish the famous concert hall in New
York, and he helped finance several colleges in the US. Can you guess who he is? Yes! Andrew
Carnagie. Now how about this person: In the early 1900s, in order to maintain
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