What is a robber baron?

Robber baron is a term first applied as social criticism by 19th century muckrakers and others to certain wealthy, powerful, and unethical 19th-century American businessmen. The term appeared in that use as early as the August 1870 issue of The Atlantic Monthly magazine.

Who were some 19th-century industrialists called robber barons?

Some 19th-century industrialists who were called "captains of industry" overlap with those called "robber barons". These include people such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, Andrew Mellon, Leland Stanford and John D. Rockefeller .

How did the robber barons Make Money?

Carnegie, like Rockefeller, turned to philanthropy and contributed millions of dollars to construct libraries and other cultural institutions, such as New York's famed Carnegie Hall. Learn about the robber barons, who used ruthless business tactics to acquire great wealth in the late 19th century.