The Robber Barons:  Villains?	After the introduction of Charles Darwin's theory in
approximately 1848,  the theory of creation and the philosophy of people had changed.  This
philosophy Ò survival of the fittestÓ was justified.  Following the theory in the time
period of 1880 and 1910 a clan of large and wealthy men evolved.  These vile men who had
become the controllers of enormous industrial wealth carved up the country into Òbaronies.Ó 
They overran political figures, ignored laws, and used money to distract government
entanglements. 	These villains did two major things with their corporations and trusts.  
The first is price fixing.  When their corporation was competing with others,  they would
lower the prices real low, so low that they would lose money occasionally, and when other
businesses would sell out, or go out of business the lower priced corporation would raise
itÕs prices again to compensate their losses.  The other major financial trick the barons
played was monopoly their businesses together.  The barons would get together and organize a
standard expensive price they could charge the public.  When they agreed,   they would all
charge the same amount.  One infamous robber baron was John D. Rockefeller.  Rockefeller was
very much into monopolizing and price fixing.  He cornered the oil market in 1885 by
destroying the other corporations.  When Rockefeller monopolized he would kill some new or
uncooperative businesses by just lowering the entire monopolyÕs prices and raising them
again when that certain business died.  	Robber Barons were very responsible for national
dilemmas.  Jay Gould and Jim Fisk caused Black Friday on September 24, 1869.  These two
speculators had attempted to corner the gold market.  To prevent that from happening,  the
U.S. treasury released its gold on the market.  The sudden abundance of gold not only
brought down its price but collapsed the entire stock market as well.  Black Friday was a
certainly a contributor to the depression of the 70's,  which caused President GrantÕs
presidency to be such a failure.  	Robber Barons controlled the government and officials. 
This is portrayed in the famous cartoon illustrated by Thomas Nast.  It pictures the
congress in the middle with big fat men in the back sitting on large chairs labeled cotton,
steel, sugar, and oil.  Robber Barons basically sat in the back and bribed state
legislatures.  With their golden touch they could manipulate a judge,  maneuver a jury, and
direct congress.  	Fortunately in future years Theodore Roosevelt,  also known as the Òtrust
busterÓ and congress dissolved and forced the Robber Barons down.The Robber Barons:  
Heroes?	ÒI believe it is a religious duty to get all the money you can, fairly, and
honestly; to keep all you can, and to give away all you can.Ó	So said John D. Rockefeller,
the first billionaire of the United States and one of the first American heroes,  the Robber
Barons.  Robber Barons were the American Dream;  to star from nothing and become a wealthy
legend.	Not only did these barons just make money for themselves, but they also donated
quite a large sum.  Many donated money to education, schools and Universities, and the arts,
 opened museums.  Ever since Rockefeller first started he was always a generous and fair
man.  He would pay his washer woman five dollars.  Saved a little.  Gave a penny to each
Sabbath to his Sunday School.  In 1870, even before his wealthy years,  Rockefeller donated
2,000 dollars to a Baptist Church.  	The public and the press hailed these rich men heroes
at first by saying such things as, ÒThey would build up the country for the benefits of all
people.Ó  So the American dream was to become one of these men.  The barons became role
models in society by publicizing Ògiving is the best policy,Ó and anyone can make something
of them self.	People say the Robber Barons were unscrupulous and wealthy, but they served as
excellent role models and proved to all the American Dream can work.
