Explain Industrialism at the turn of the 20th century.

At the turn of the 20th century, the U.S. experienced a massive surge in “Big Business” driven largely by a group of men known as industrialists.
These men were driven by the quest for wealth and profit. But, many of them were also very philanthropic and endowed a number helpful causes with a portion of those profits.
Yet, in the 21st century, we still question whether these men were “captains of industry” or “robber barons”!
Captains of Industry: This title is very positive and focuses on their achievements, innovation, and hard work. These are the men who transformed American business while also giving back to their communities (philanthropy).

Robber Barons: This title shows these men as cruel and self-centered entrepreneurs who took advantage of workers, immigrants, and children to become wealthy. The factory where their worker toiled was a place of long hours, harsh conditions, and little pay.