1. Generally classified as either a
Business Leaders
Generally classified as either a
“Robber Baron”
or a
“Captain of Industry”

3. I. Robber Barons
Business leaders who made their fortunes by taking advantage of the public
They drained natural resources and charged high prices
Practice Social Darwinism

4. They persuaded public officials to interpret laws in their favor.
They ruthlessly drove their competitors to ruin.
They paid their workers meager wages and forced them to toil under dangerous and
unhealthful conditions.

5. II. Captains of Industry
Still practiced the theory of Social Darwinism to a certain extent to increase their fortunes, but:
They increased the supply of goods by building factories.
They raised productivity and expanded markets, further lowering prices

6. They created jobs at decent wages and in safe factories that enabled many Americans to buy new goods and raise their standard of living.
They also funded museums, libraries, and universities, many of which still serve the public today.