Were the Industrialist Leaders of the Gilded Age Captains of Their Industry or Robber Barons?

Examination of Industrialist Leaders - Final Draft
Soon after the Reconstruction period, an era known as the Gilded Age erupted. During the 1870's - 1890's, America took a drastic leap into industrialization. Immigrants swarmed into the United States with the distinct hope of opportunity. Big business was soon in effect with a newly acquired demand for raw material. Shortly, monopolies emerged. These industrial leaders, whom were ingenious to the game, established their wealth from the suffrage of factory workers, oblivious farmers and displaced American Indians. …