Robber Barons

John d. Rockefeller was the exact definition of a “Robber Baron”. He played dirty by buying out companies and then using those to buy out other competitors. He raised prices in areas with no competition to destroy other companies, also he would spy on other companies to better understand what kind of competition he had. These factors are what make John D. Rockefeller a “Robber Baron” in

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.

Rockefeller’s career in business started at the very bottom of the ladder, clerking in a commission house. He worked in the commission house for three and a half years before quitting to start a business transporting various goods for companies. Rockefeller’s company had the good fortune of opening right before the start of the civil war and “due to his hard work and wise decision making,” he gained a decent fortune transporting agricultural goods. After the war he speculated that there was nothing more to be gained from the cargo transporting business, so he took a risk and invested in the first of his oil refineries in 1865. In the first year Rockefeller’s refinery was double the amount of any other refinery in Cleveland and in 1868 he was running the largest oil refining company in the world.

The Gilded Age was an era that transformed from agrarian to industrialized working/businesses and goods. The Gilded Age soon came after Reconstruction and lasted from the late 1860’s to the late 1890’s. During the Gilded Age there were many businessmen that were labeled Robber Barons or Captains of Industry based on their actions of ruthlessness and monopoly or their actions of generosity and kindness. A Robber Baron is a businessman who obtained wealth through cruel manors. A Captain of Industry is a business leader who obtained wealth through positive and generous ways that had a good impact on those around them. History should remember the entrepreneurs of the 1800’s and 1900’s as Captains of Industries or Robber Barons. These entrepreneurs

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.

During the 19th century, industrialization impacted the United States in many way. Industrialists, like John D. Rockefeller, owned or were involved in management of an industry. At the time, these agents were considered a “Robber Baron,” while others were considered a “Captain of Industry.” However, many were considered good because they were philanthropists. John D. Rockefeller was born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York.

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.

John D. Rockefeller gave away $540 million dollars before his death at the age of 97. With this money he created two, of the world's greatest research companies and helped pull the American South out of poverty. Without Rockefeller’s gracious donations to our country through education, medical, and donations to help our country, he most definitely was a Captain of Industry which helped our country get to where we are today. Captain of Industry is a fancy term of saying that this person has helped our country thrive and get to where we are today. John D. Rockefeller is a prime example of a great leader and a captain of industry, without him we would not have the successful oil business we have today.

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.

John D. Rockefeller owned a bunch of oil refineries and instead of drilling for his oil, he focused on refining it. Rockefeller later became the richest man in America of his time. He didn't treat his workers very well. He made them work long shifts and offered very low wages. Vanderbilt linked a railroad connecting the

John D. Rockefeller Sr: How did John D. Rockefeller impact the Industrial Revolution John Davison Rockefeller Sr. once stated “If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success” (John D. Rockefeller Quotes). John D. Rockefeller was the founder of Standard Oil in which then became one of the wealthiest men in the world. Rockefellers ongoing funding as a philanthropist and trust in oil is how the man's name still lives on to this day (The Rockefeller Archive Center). For thousands of years oil has been a main resource for human consumption, and remains the same.

Rockefeller, who controlled the oil industry at the time, Cornelius Vanderbilt and George Pullman, they controlled the railroad industry, Andrew Carnegie, who controlled the steel industry and J.P Morgan a figure in the United States economy. Their industries later created monopolies, which is the complete possession or control of supply or trade in a raw material or service. John D. Rockefeller was the first monopoly. They created trusts in order to eliminate any competition. Workers noticed that they weren’t being treated equally.

Lots of people might have the opinion of calling them Robber Barons but to others, they all had a decent heart inside pointing them to be a Captain of

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.

Rockefeller, was a ruthless oil company that achieved its monopoly through aggressive and often illegal business practices. The company frequently purchased competitors, undercutted prices, and made shady deals with the railroads for their monopoly to succeed. Ida Tarbell, an American teacher. Author, and journalist, being personally affected by the Standard Oil Company was picked by her at the time job, McClure’s Magazine to investigate about the company. Her article, “History of Standard Oil Company, raised public awareness of Rockefeller’s ruthless monopoly.