Robber Baron

Robber BaronBy Annalee Chadwick, Stephanie Sorensen, and Mckenna Morgan

Definition• a business owner or executive who acquires

wealth through ethically questionable tactics

Background• 19th century• It combines the sense of criminal ("robber") and

illegitimate aristocracy ("baron").

Who was a Robber Baron?• The term grew from the overwhelming power • Often referred to as industrial giants • wielded over many aspects of society • and the resentment those suffering under their

yoke felt

How they went about Business• Used the capitalist system to exploit workers• Formed anti-competitive trusts• Place the accumulation of wealth above all else

Beliefs • The rich could use whatever means necessary to

increase their riches • This counter acted the ideals upon which the

United States was founded

Early 21st Century • The public looked back and viewed the robber

barons much more favorably than they were viewed in their own life times

Morgan and Rockefeller • Acquired tremendous wealth• But then donated large sums to philanthropic and

cultural causes • Both had an innate sense of the social

responsibility that came with great prosperity• Both worked diligently through their later years

Conclusion• America’s favorite source of historical information

helped soften the sharp edges of many Robber Barons

• Many robber Barons have been the subject of big general history biographies that have been predominantly favorable

Sources • http://

www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Robber_barons.aspx• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robber_baron_(industr

ialist)

• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/robber+baron• http://

edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/industrial-age-america-robber-barons-and-captains-industry