WebQuest
Robber Barons or Captains of Industry?
Introduction
It is the late 1890's in America and the country is rapidly expanding. Everywhere you turn, there is more of everything (people, towns, technology, etc.). The population is swelling due to better living standards and the large amounts of immigrants arriving each year. The country itself is actually physically growing with the addition of eight new states since 1876. Most importantly, the Industrial Revolution has ushered in an era of new technology and big business. It is this era of big business that is causing you trouble as a journalist.
The economy has been uneven and unbalanced in the last few years in the 1890's. The economic growth that the country has experienced was helped in large part by the competitive nature of business. However, favorable feelings towards competition in business has begun to change.
There are some businesses and businessmen who believe in "healthy competition." These men believe it is their right, their privilege, to completely dominate the marketplace. They do not want
competition; they only want power and money. With their power and money, businessmen can spend enormous amounts of money on themselves and their family. They have no interest in the "common man" or any interest in helping the whole of society.
There are also businessmen who seem to have some morals and a strong conscience. These men use their money to create schools and colleges. They open museums, theaters, and libraries. All of their money is not for their own pleasure.
The problem is that it is hard to determine who is a "good guy", or a Captain of Industry, and who is a "bad guy", or a Robber Baron.
The problem is that it is hard to determine who is a "good guy", or a Captain of Industry, and who is a "bad guy", or a Robber Baron.
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