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Essential Question: Were big business leaders “captains of industry” or “robber barons”?
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How does this document answer the essential question?
Source 1 – “The Protectors of Our Industries” 1883
Although workers were the basis of these industries, they received poor treatment and low wages, and the owners kept the majority of the profits.
According to this cartoon, big business leaders were robber barons because they were business people who had risen to wealth through brutal and dishonest methods.
Source 2 – Political Cartoon “What a Funny Little Government”
Since it is a political issue and the folks in this cartoon have so much money that the government could hardly do anything, it refers to the Laissez-Faire approach to the government.
According to this cartoon, big business leaders were robber barons because of Laissez Faire, they were granted independence from the authorities.
Source 3 – Photograph of a Ford factory assembly line
This business put a lot of effort into the development of automobiles.
According to this cartoon, big business leaders were captains of industry because these are workers in factories making a brand-new vehicle.
Source 4 – Illustration of the Bessemer process
This picture shows the Bessemer process and how it influences steel production costs.
According to this cartoon, big business leaders were captains of industry because these individuals are employed by a factory that use the Bessemer process, which reduces the cost of steel by 80% and can significantly lower the cost of building new structures.
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