Describe the basic industries of America's Industrial Revolution and explain what made the men who controlled them so successful. Select one industry to argue your point (such as the petroleum industry). Were the men who dominated this industry "robber barons," as some suggested, or simply good businessmen? Explain your answer.
Maybe we can get some thoughts on the most famous and wealthy man of the century: Rockefeller. He was a guy who was so powerful he told presidents to come see him. He was the wealthiest man in the history of the world: his wealth today would be easily over a trillion dollars. His main focus was oil, with of course the famed Standard Oil Company. Guys, was he a so-called robber baron?