Introduction to the Robber Barons

Robber Barons played a large role in the American Revolution from the late 1800s through the early 1900s.  Also labeled as the Captains of Industry, these entrepreneurs took advantage of the working class and built multimillion dollar (in today’s economy equal to multibillion dollar) companies which led America through the Great Depression.  Among these industrialists were Andrew Carnegie, Leland Stanford, Collis Huntington, Jay Gould, James J. Hill, and John D. Rockefeller along with many more.  They all clutched onto a great sense of perseverance when it came to the ‘all mighty dollar’ and were well-heeled with skills of leadership that far past those of the average citizen.  Some people still saw them as an immoral, corrupt group full of greed and self manifestation.  Some bribery did occur along with pitiable, in some cases illegal, working conditions not suitable for any individual including child labor which was common in almost all major industries, offering low pay and minimal benefits.  Although without these visionaries, America would not be what it is today.  Had they not pushed the common person to their limits and sucked dry all of the exploitation one could bear, labor unions would not have come into existence. This success and broad economic development they brought into today’s economy was unforgettable and served as a foundation that led to the working life of today’s society, allowing for growth of a less poverty stricken nation.


By Stephen Robinson