Industrialization (C17) WebQuest
"Captains of Industry or Robber Barons"?
Introduction
During the late nineteenth century America experienced a wave of industrialism and the country was rapidly expanding. The population was increasing with the influx of new immigrants and better living standards. There was a continued westward expansion that we have been studying since the first quarter (there were eight new states added to the union between 1876-1900). Most importantly, the Industrial Revolution has ushered in an era of new technology and big business.
The leaders of this era emerged out of industry and business, not from politics. These industrialists were very driven men. Some historians say that they were “Captains of Industry” and give them praise, leaving a positive impression of their work and impact on people. Other historians say that they were “Robber Barons” and criticize these men, leaving a negative impression of their actions on society.
By identifying these individuals as 'Captains of Industry', we offer a positive impression of their achievements as men of inventiveness whose hard work and ingenious strategies transformed the American economy of the post-Reconstruction era and the early 20th century. These men are to also be honored for their charitable activities (philanthropy).
In extending the title of 'Robber Barons' 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.
It is going to be up to you to determine whether or not the following industrialists were “Captains of Industry” or “Robber Barons”. The problem is that it is hard to determine who is a "good guy" (Captain of Industry) and who is a "bad guy" (Robber Baron).
The leaders of this era emerged out of industry and business, not from politics. These industrialists were very driven men. Some historians say that they were “Captains of Industry” and give them praise, leaving a positive impression of their work and impact on people. Other historians say that they were “Robber Barons” and criticize these men, leaving a negative impression of their actions on society.
By identifying these individuals as 'Captains of Industry', we offer a positive impression of their achievements as men of inventiveness whose hard work and ingenious strategies transformed the American economy of the post-Reconstruction era and the early 20th century. These men are to also be honored for their charitable activities (philanthropy).
In extending the title of 'Robber Barons' 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.
It is going to be up to you to determine whether or not the following industrialists were “Captains of Industry” or “Robber Barons”. The problem is that it is hard to determine who is a "good guy" (Captain of Industry) and who is a "bad guy" (Robber Baron).
Task
This WebQuest introduces a section on late 19th Century Industrialization and explores these questions:
- What were the new technologies in this time period?
- What new industries were now being created because of the rise of new technology?
- Who were the men who led these new industries?
- Were these men 'Captains of Industry' or Robber Barons'?
Process
1. The Men Who Built America (3m 47s)
Watch the intro to the right of 'The Men Who Built America' * Write a paragraph about the positive attributes of these Captains of Industry as discussed by modern day CEOs: 2. Robber Barons or Captains of Industry (Article) Click on and read the article to right. *Create an outline of the information provided in the article. 3. Big Business and the Guilded Age (9m 11s) Watch the screencast provided by Dr. Michael Brooks. * Create an outline of the information provided. 4. The Robber Barons (8m 39s) Alan Brinkley makes his first appearance in or class in this discussion of the Robber Barons. 4a. Describe the following Industrialists: JP Morgan Andrew Carnegie 4b. Why were so many new immigrants coming to America? 4c. Describe the rise of unions and strikes in this time period. 5. The Robber Barons: Shi (3m 44s) Watch this short video by Dr David Shi. 5a. What were the positives and negatives of the Robber Barons? 5b. Why did the government start to intervene more as a 'regulator' by the start of the 20th century? 6. Andrew Carnegie's Philanthropy (3m 57s) "From the Carnegie Hall Archives" series, Rose Museum and Archives Director Gino Francesconi explains how Andrew Carnegie was set apart from his Gilded Age contemporaries by his different approach to wealth. 6a. What was Andrew Carnegie's occupational background? 6b. What separates Carnegie from the other industrialists (according to Francesconi)? 6c. Why was donating libraries so important to Carnegie? 7. Rise of American Capitalism (10m 8s) HW Brands discussing his book American Colossus. 7a. What tensions does Brand see between capitalism and democracy? 7b. How does he describe John D. Rockefeller? 7c. What did he mean by the Capitalist Revolution and Democratic Counter-Revolution? 8. The Pullman Strike (Website) e-history at OSU website. 8a. Describe the cause of the Pullman Strike: 8b. What were the major events of the strike? 8c. What were the important consequences of the strike? |
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Evaluation
Assignment #1: Questions (25 pts)
- Submit this assignment on Google Classroom. There is an assignment created titled 'C17 Webquest'.
Optional Assignment #2: EXTRA CREDIT (15 pts)
Industrialists
Andrew Carnegie
Jay Gould
J. Pierpont Morgan
John D. Rockefeller
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Henry Clay Frick
Andrew Mellon
- Your job is to research an industrialist of the late 19th century and determine if he should be hailed as a Captain of Industry or condemned as a Robber Baron. You will determine this by researching one of the following industrialists below and completing their information on the chart. Begin by researching the Industrialists online. Remember to cite your sources.
- Once you have completed the chart information for your industrialist, create a commemorative plaque hailing him as a Captain of Industry or a wanted poster condemning him as a Robber Baron. The plaque or poster must be on an 11” by 14” and contain a title, an image of the industrialist, and five points supporting or criticizing his actions and contributions to society.
- In addition, you must compose a paragraph (also included on the chart) explaining what is depicted on your plaque or poster, including the accomplishments or misdeeds of your industrialist and an explanation/justification of your choice as a Robber Baron or Captain of Industry. Explain how this individual affected events during his time.
- The Industrialist Chart is included below.
Industrialists
Andrew Carnegie
Jay Gould
J. Pierpont Morgan
John D. Rockefeller
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Henry Clay Frick
Andrew Mellon
Conclusion
The wave of industrialism that we have been studying was driven by a few great men known as industrialists. There can be no mistaking their motive: wealth. There is some debate, however, on the way history should portray these industrialists.
Some feel the powerful industrialists of the gilded age should be referred to as "robber barons." This view accentuates the negative. It portrays men like Vanderbilt and Rockefeller and Ford as cruel and ruthless businessmen who would stop at nothing to achieve great wealth. These "robber barons" were accused of exploiting workers and forcing horrible working conditions and unfair labor practices upon the laborer.
Another view of the industrialist is "captain of industry." The term captain views these men as ingenious and industrious leaders who transformed the American economy with their business skills. They were praised for their skills as well as for their philanthropy (charity).
In reality the debate over robber barons versus captains of industry mirrors the views of industrialism itself. Just as there were both positives and negatives to industrialism, there were positives and negatives to the leaders of industrialism.
Some feel the powerful industrialists of the gilded age should be referred to as "robber barons." This view accentuates the negative. It portrays men like Vanderbilt and Rockefeller and Ford as cruel and ruthless businessmen who would stop at nothing to achieve great wealth. These "robber barons" were accused of exploiting workers and forcing horrible working conditions and unfair labor practices upon the laborer.
Another view of the industrialist is "captain of industry." The term captain views these men as ingenious and industrious leaders who transformed the American economy with their business skills. They were praised for their skills as well as for their philanthropy (charity).
In reality the debate over robber barons versus captains of industry mirrors the views of industrialism itself. Just as there were both positives and negatives to industrialism, there were positives and negatives to the leaders of industrialism.