Industrialization Webquest
Introduction
During the late nineteenth century America experienced a wave of industrialism and the country was rapidly expanding. The population was increasing with the influx of new immigrants and better living standards. There was a continued westward expansion that we have been studying since the first quarter (there were eight new states added to the union between 1876-1900). Most importantly, the Industrial Revolution has ushered in an era of new technology and big business.
The leaders of this era emerged out of industry and business, not from politics. These industrialists were very driven men. Some historians say that they were “Captains of Industry” and give them praise, leaving a positive impression of their work and impact on people. Other historians say that they were “Robber Barons” and criticize these men, leaving a negative impression of their actions on society.
By identifying these individuals as 'Captains of Industry', we offer a positive impression of their achievements as men of inventiveness whose hard work and ingenious strategies transformed the American economy of the post-Reconstruction era and the early 20th century. These men are to also be honored for their charitable activities (philanthropy).
In extending the title of 'Robber Barons' to these men, we emphasize the cruel and self-centered entrepreneurs who took advantage of the worker, whether it be immigrant, female, or child to accumulate wealth. The factory was a place where the worker experienced harsh conditions and poor pay.
It is going to be up to you to determine whether or not the following industrialists were “Captains of Industry” or “Robber Barons”. The problem is that it is hard to determine who is a "good guy" (Captain of Industry) and who is a "bad guy" (Robber Baron).
Task
This webquest introduces a section on late 19th century industrialization and explores these questions:
1. What were the new technologies in this time period?
2. What new industries were now being created because of the rise of new technology?
3. Who were the men who led these new industries?
4. Were these men 'Captains of Industry' or 'Robber Barons'?
During the late nineteenth century America experienced a wave of industrialism and the country was rapidly expanding. The population was increasing with the influx of new immigrants and better living standards. There was a continued westward expansion that we have been studying since the first quarter (there were eight new states added to the union between 1876-1900). Most importantly, the Industrial Revolution has ushered in an era of new technology and big business.
The leaders of this era emerged out of industry and business, not from politics. These industrialists were very driven men. Some historians say that they were “Captains of Industry” and give them praise, leaving a positive impression of their work and impact on people. Other historians say that they were “Robber Barons” and criticize these men, leaving a negative impression of their actions on society.
By identifying these individuals as 'Captains of Industry', we offer a positive impression of their achievements as men of inventiveness whose hard work and ingenious strategies transformed the American economy of the post-Reconstruction era and the early 20th century. These men are to also be honored for their charitable activities (philanthropy).
In extending the title of 'Robber Barons' to these men, we emphasize the cruel and self-centered entrepreneurs who took advantage of the worker, whether it be immigrant, female, or child to accumulate wealth. The factory was a place where the worker experienced harsh conditions and poor pay.
It is going to be up to you to determine whether or not the following industrialists were “Captains of Industry” or “Robber Barons”. The problem is that it is hard to determine who is a "good guy" (Captain of Industry) and who is a "bad guy" (Robber Baron).
Task
This webquest introduces a section on late 19th century industrialization and explores these questions:
1. What were the new technologies in this time period?
2. What new industries were now being created because of the rise of new technology?
3. Who were the men who led these new industries?
4. Were these men 'Captains of Industry' or 'Robber Barons'?
Step One: The Men Who Built America (3m 47s)
Watch the intro to the right of 'The Men Who Built America' * Write a paragraph about the positive attributes of these Captains of Industry as discussed by modern day CEOs: |
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Step Two. Robber Barons or Captains of Industry (Article)
Click on and read this article here
*Create a 1/2 page summary of the information provided in the article. (Roughly a one sentence summary per page)
Step Three. The Robber Barons: Brinkley (8m 39s)
Watch Alan Brinkley's discussion of the Robber Barons. 3a. Describe the following Industrialists in 2-3 sentences each. ---JP Morgan ---Andrew Carnegie 3b. Why were so many new immigrants coming to America? 3c. Describe the rise of unions and strikes in this time period in 2-4 sentences |
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Step Four: The Robber Barons: Shi (3m 44s) Watch this short video by Dr David Shi. 4a. What were the positives and negatives of the Robber Barons? 4b. Why did the government start to intervene more as a 'regulator' by the start of the 20th century? |
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Step Five: Andrew Carnegie's Philanthropy (3m 57s) "From the Carnegie Hall Archives" series, Rose Museum and Archives Director Gino Francesconi explains how Andrew Carnegie was set apart from his Gilded Age contemporaries by his different approach to wealth. 5a. What was Andrew Carnegie's occupational background? 5b. What separates Carnegie from the other industrialists (according to Francesconi)? 5c. Why was donating libraries so important to Carnegie? |
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