Robber Barons or Industrial Statesmen?

Late nineteenth century industrial leaders have been called "industrial statesmen" for the great economic power they helped America become. They have also been called "robber barons" because they built their great wealth by abusing the system, abusing their employees, and destroying their competitors to satisfy their own needs. These "kings" off industry displayed characteristics of both industrial statesmen and robber barons. It is therefore justified to characterize the industrial leaders of the nineteenth century as …

…these industries were looked upon as robber barons by some and industrial statesmen by others. The downside was that the way the industrial leaders treated their employees was harsh and unfair. But they also helped America grow and become stronger economically and internationally. No matter how unethical these men were, they helped the country in such a way that it would not be anywhere near where it is today without them in the industry world.