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Hale/ USH/ Robber Barons vs. Captains of Industry/ Fall 2025: Assignment

Robber Barons of today, 1889

Robber BArons 1889 painting

Robber Barons, 1889. - The Robber Barons of Today: an American cartoon of 1889.. Fine Art. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest, Accessed September 30, 2025. https://quest.eb.com/images/140_1663723.

 

 

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Ann Haber
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Woodward Academy
George C. Carlos Library
1662 Rugby Ave.
College Park, GA 30337
404-765-1501

Assignment Overview

Research Purpose: To determine whether the industrialists of the 19th century should be remembered as Robber Barons or Captains of Industry/Philanthropists. Students will use their research to write a well-structured argumentative essay with evidence to support their thesis.

Research Requirements:

  • Include references to at least 2 of the men discussed: Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, or Cornelius Vanderbilt
  • Support your arguments with specific examples
  • Essays must have 3-5 pages of  body text
  • Include footnotes formatted in proper Chicago Turabian style
  • Include a final bibliography in proper Chicago Turabian style

Source Requirements:

  • Minimum of 3 credible sources
  • Consult primary and secondary sources as appropriate
  • Use reliable sources-- books, library database articles, and documentaries are recommended
  • No general encyclopedias, including online encyclopedias such as Wikipedia
  • All web sites require a Web Site Evaluation Form and teacher approval