Captains of Industry vs. Robber Barons

Introduce students to the rise in industrialization after the Civil War and the impact of monopolies. Go over the definition of both captains of industry (strong businessmen) and robber barons (corrupt businessmen). Have students read a variety of sources that show the businessmen as both captains and robber barons. Finally students discuss how businessmen at the time should be seen based on their practices during the Gilded Age.