John D. Rockefeller: Captain Of Industry

A “robber baron” is defined as one who uses immoral methods to get rich. John D. Rockefeller, king of oil and the owner of the Standard Oil Company, was known for these unscrupulous tactics. Rockefeller’s peculiar ideas of the “law of nature” in accordance with his “primitive savagery” allowed this stealthy businessman to manipulate his way to the top. Although Rockefeller’s oil monopoly attributed to the wealth of the American economy, he destroyed the morality of modest men to accomplish ultimate power and prestige making him one of the wealthiest industrialists during his time.

There are so many views when considering the industrialists of late 19th century to be captains of industry while others consider them as Robber barons because they like practicing a system called the monopoly. Monopoly . they built huge companies and practice unfair businesses; which make them drive their counterparts out of business; and when they do such things, they are stealing businesses from competitors. Most people refer to them as the king of the American industries during the 19th century. Some viewed them as greedy, unprincipled and corrupt.

The Gilded Age was a great time for social change and economic growth. Between reconstruction and the dawn of the new century, the Gilded Age saw rapid industrialization, urbanized, railroads, technology, and the rise of big businesses. The nations were split into two halves that hated each other and nobody had enough money. The last three decades of the 19th century is called the Gilded Age which is one of the most dynamic periods in american history. During the Gilded Age america’s industry economy exploded generating opportunities for individuals but also leaving many farmers and workers struggling. Industrial leaders such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller revolutionized business and ushered in the modern corporate economy, but

John D. Rockefeller was the founder of the Standard Oil Company and became one of the wealthiest men of his time. His company was the major leader of the oil business in the United States during his reign. Standard Oil company served as a prime example of how companies should function, which helped to guide others to follow in his footsteps. He was a major philanthropist and used his large fortune to fund many philanthropic causes. His donations helped pay for the creations of the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller University, the establishment of Central Philippine University, and many others. Many of today’s accomplishments would not have been possible without him and his actions.

John D. Rockefeller was born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York. He was the son of a traveling salesman. Diligent even during his childhood, Rockefeller would earn money by doing jobs for neighbors, raising turkeys or even selling candy. In 1853, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he attended high school and then temporarily studied bookkeeping at a commercial college. At the age of 16, in 1855, he had found work at a Cleveland commission firm as an office clerk. He had “considered September 26, the day he started the position and entered the world, so significant that as an adult, he commemorated this ‘job day’ with an annual celebration.” (History) By the age of 20, Rockefeller set out on his own with a business partner, since he did exceptionally well at his job, and they worked as

Was John D. Rockefeller a robber baron? I’d say so. Through ruthless business tactics and exploitation of workers, he made a fortune in his lifetime. In this paper, I’m going to be talking about said business tactics and exploitation. If you believe Rockefeller was just a good business man who donated to the poor, I hope your view will be changed by the end.

After the Civil War, the Second Industrial Revolution was established due to America’s rapid growth for industry and economics. Capitalists during the industrial period of 1875-1900’s were either accused of being a robber baron or a captain of industry. Some capitalists leaders who were accused of being a robber baron or captain of industry included J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, Andrew W. Mellon, and John D. Rockefeller. A robber baron is a business leader who gets rich through cruel and scandalous business practices. The captains of industry is a business leader who wants to better the companies in a way that it would be positively contributing to the country. The most accurate characterization for the time period of 1875-1900’s were both

Eastman, Rockefeller, and Carnegie are Captains of Industry. They are Captains of Industry because they donated their money to help children. George Eastman supported dental clinics for children who couldn 't afford treatment so their teeth are more white and they will take more pictures and use his camera. Andrew Carnegie donated more than $350 million to help build over 2,500 libraries and used his steel to make them. Also, John D. Rockefeller Founded the General Education Board in 1903 and established high South by providing free professional advice. These three people helped others so they would use their inventions and make more money.

“The best philanthropy” he wrote, is constantly in search of finalities- a search for a cause an attempt to cure evils at their source” - John D. Rockefeller

During the late 19th century, there was a growth in industrialization. This brought new opportunities for the poor and the rich. For example, Carnegie helped build the steel industry in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, which made him one of the richest man in the world. As Carnegie gained more wealth, he questioned who money should be given to. Carnegie was both a Robber Baron and a Captain of Industry.

Rockefeller died May 23, 1937 in Ormond Beach, Florida. His legacy continues on forever from generations upon generations. John D. Rockefeller had only one son and his name John Jr. Junior took off after his dad to be a major philanthropist. For every birthday that John Jr. was away John Sr. wrote a letter describing how everything is going, and gives him money. Jr. promoted and motivated his father's ideas to the society. John Jr. kept the organizations and schools up and also, created an organization for the United States Service. This, organization help with soldiers coming back from World War II. John used the foundations that his dad started to, donate three hundred million dollars to help the men and women fighting for our country. John D. Rockefeller Sr. was devoted to wildness and seeing the beautiful scenery. John Jr. then donate for conservation plans, the donations went from Yosemite National Park in Maine to Acadia National Park in California. To keep a legacy going it takes work and that was one thing John D. Rockefeller Sr. was not scared to do (Wooster, Martin

How did he acquire his wealth? He acquire his wealth by being a self-made man, that revolutionize the car industry in the 90’s.

As our country reached the late 1800’s, Americans found themselves face to face with era known as the ‘Gilded Age’. Companies were created and grew rapidly during this time period. Some of the most famous entrepreneurs were John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, who seemed to be the perfect models for the ‘rags to riches’ story. Many people debate which entrepreneur was a better role-model. Due to his low prices, the high demand for his products, and the way he sought to eliminate any possible competition, John D. Rockefeller is clearly the better role-model for today’s entrepreneurs.

Andrew Carnegie was a major capitalist of the 19th century. He became a major capitalist in the steel industry. He attained much of his wealth because he practically created the steel industry. Starting from the bottom and working is way to the top Andrew Carnegie became one of the richest men during his time. Starting at earning a dollar and twenty cents a week. Over time he will gain experience as a telegraph messenger and work at a Pennsylvania railroad this will help him to get a job in the railroad industry and three years later he is the superintendent. The next decade Andrew now owns his own steel business called Carnegie Steel Company. Andrew Carnegie revolutionized steel as we knew it using technology and procedures that made making steel much faster. For this he is a “Captain of the Industry”. Carnegie was a smart business man unlike most industry’s during his time instead of buying the other companies out he would make his prices lower than another producer which would send them out of business. He helped out many by making colleges for individuals to attend and he gave back to his community by donating 56 million dollars to build libraries.

Born in Richford, New York in 1839, John Davison Rockefeller was the second child of his parents and had five siblings. He did not have an easy and wealthy childhood as his father was a part-time salesman and a full-time philanderer. Therefore, his mother always struggled hard for their livelihood and her first son had to stay away from his family to make more money for lengthy periods.