The Robber Barons

The Robber Barons were an elite group of industrial magnates who emerged after the civil war in the United States.  Today their name is associated with US businessmen and bankers who have be known to use unscrupulous methods in order to make their fortunes.  From shortly after the civil war up until the early 20th century these men changed the face of American business and industry in ways that no one had seen before.  Most of these men came from Middle-class to Upper-class families, and in some cases were inventors who used what they had created to become industrial magnates in their time.   These men were geniuses in their own rights, using methodologies and business practices that produced businesses that even some, last until today.  The down side was the way that these businesses were run, these men were opportunistic, quick to use any means available to them, and in some cases working their workers in conditions that were hazardous and deplorable.  Saying that does not change the fact that because of these men the American industrial revolution happened.  These are the men that created the American industrial nation we have today and these are their stories.