Characteristics Of Robber Baron

Leaders in the industry are always based off of two sections, one being a Robber Baron and the other a Captain of Industry. John D. Rockefeller and Sam Walton can both display traits from one of these two categories. Although they both play different roles in the industry, both Rockefeller and Walton have contributed to the economic and political stance of the industry today, making noticeable contributions, whether or not they had made a positive impact on their community and to the future practices of industrialism.

Robber Barons are “a ruthlessly powerful U.S. capitalist or industrialist considered to have become wealthy by exploiting natural resources, corrupting legislators, or other unethical means” according to the dictionary. This form

Focusing on only the prosperity of themselves Robber Barons were known for their unfair business practices that made them the successful companies they had become.

John. D Rockefeller was one of the most successful Robber Barons in American industrialism. Born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York. He was the eldest son; second born; of six children. Attending Oswego Academy and then changing to Central High School, he attended only a single business class at Folsom Mercantile College. Rockefeller’s first establishment was a commission business dealing with hay, grain, meats, and a wide variety of other selections. Rockefeller was an American industrialist and philanthropist. He was a founder of the Standard Oil Company. Within two years of building his first oil company, he was the largest oil association. Thereafter he would begin to devote himself solely to his oil business. As his business began progressing in size, he would continue expanding his fortunes by buying out any competitors until 1877,

Although they were “people who have an important job in the industry and can influence company and national planning”, according to the Cambridge dictionary, just like Robber Barons they both strove for a success of themselves and for their company. However, Captains of Industry were able to influence companies with a sensible approach, not by using brute force and blackmail such as Robber Barons. Captains of industry had a positive impact on the industry, not only changing the way that the industry would function today, but also change their approach on how they would impact future