Robber Baron
Candlefocus EditorAndrew Carnegie was a steel tycoon who began his life in Scotland and immigrated to America as a boy. He started his career as a telegrapher and worked his way up to become the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Carnegie then turned to the steel industry where he took advantage of the nation's new railroad system to expand his market across the country. He soon became one of the most influential men in America, worth more than $3 billion at the time of his death.
Cornelius Vanderbilt was a shipping and rail tycoon who also started out with very little money. His decision to make a bet on the railroad industry paid off in a big way. He began buying up railroads and was able to create a railway network that connected the East and West coasts of the United States. By 1880, he was a billionaire and one of the most powerful men in the country.
John D. Rockefeller was a businessman and investor who began his career in the oil industry. In 1870, he formed Standard Oil and used aggressive tactics to expand his business. By 1890, Standard Oil had become a monopoly. Rockefeller was vilified for his ruthless business practices and was eventually broken up by the Supreme Court. Despite these criticisms, he used his wealth for philanthropic purposes, donating over $500 million to a variety of organizations.
In conclusion, the "robber barons" of the 19th century have had an undeniable impact on American industrialization. Whether one believes their tactics unfair or not, it is indisputable that their business acumen was unparalleled. They rose from humble beginnings to become some of the world’s most famous and influential business tycoons. Ultimately, these men placed the United States firmly on the world stage and left an indelible mark on history.