ROBBER BARONS
The term "Robber Baron" refers to industrialists who earned their fortunes unjustly. These tycoons of the late 19th century manipulated the common people to expand their wealth and monopolize their own industry. By eliminating competition, they essentially drove small businesses bankrupt and crushed any hopes of the American Dream. The corrupt actions of the robber barons to collect profit corrupted industry and took away from the massive economic growth of the era. Their greed and power led them to form a new aristocracy that dominated a majority of the wealth earned from industry. |