Reference no: EM133279703

Setting: The era referred to as "The Gilded Age" (1870-1900) is largely viewed as a period that seemed golden on the surface but hid the struggles and the blight of the many within the sweeping changes of the Industrial Revolution.

The assigned readings emphasizes that as the majority of Americans became wage workers, the traditional dream of economic independence became obsolete. The industrial revolution depended on the exploitation of the working class but brought tremendous urban growth and created a national market. This was a period of transformation as the forces of urbanization, increased immigration, and technological advances changed the U.S.

Question: answer the below question with a one paragraph commentary. Also remember to comment on another student's post sometime during the week. There is only one question this week, so let us have a good back and forth on this one.

Captains of Industry or Robber Barons?

1) Admirers characterized men like Andrew Carnegie and John Rockefeller as "captains of Industry" (innovative pioneers of business), but to critics they were the "Robber Barons" (irresponsible, greedy men who became rich by exploiting the working class).

In your opinion, which do you think is a fair assessment? Explain your answer from the historical record and from your own personal opinion.