1. Robber Baron or Captain of Industry?

2. Robber Baron Robber Baron:
is a term used for powerful 19th century American businessmen who were viewed as having used questionable practices to amass their wealth.
It combines the sense of
criminal ("robber")
and illegitimate
aristocracy ("baron").

3. Captain of Industry
Captain of industry: was a term originally used in the United Kingdom during the Industrial Revolution describing a business leader whose means of amassing a personal fortune contributes positively to the country in some way.
This may have been through increased productivity, expansion of markets, providing more jobs, or acts of philanthropy.

4. So were these wealthy industrialists in the Gilded Age Robber Barons or Captains of their Industries?
In order to answer this question, you will be working with a partner to investigate the truth about one of these men.
Once you are with a partner, I will hand out a paper with your industrialist and a short description of their lives.
These descriptions are written to convince you to think in one way on the question above. It will be your job to try and find out if you agree or disagree with the argument in the reading.

5. Steps to Success 1. Find partner, get industrialist reading
2. Read about your industrialist together and take notes on evidence on either side of the debate (Robber Baron vs. Captain of Industry) Discuss and finalize position

6. Steps continued…
3. Create a convincing argument in which both people in your group must explain your position in the debate. You will be presenting this to the class tomorrow! Things to include in your debate position: -Name of Industrialist and Industry they dominated -Background to their lives and how they became successful -Evidence supporting both sides of the debate -Final argument on if they are a robber baron or a captain of industry- explain exactly why you think this.
You should not be reading directly off the sheet of paper while you present tomorrow. You are also encouraged to do additional research at home tonight to help you create a convincing argument.

7. Class Vote
After each group is done presenting their arguments we will see whether the majority of people in this room think these men are robber barons or captains.
We will then vote on which group had the most convincing arguments of the class….winners will receive prizes!