Although industrialists helped America become a great
economic power, they sacrificed morals, as well as people, in order to achieve their wealth. These industrialist did not concern themselves with hoping to create American
economic power, with their own greed and position. Nineteenth century industrialist can be described as "
industrial statesmen," but they are better described as "
robber barons."
"Robber barons" and "
industrial statesmen" were terms used in the 19th century to describe many of the great industrial leaders. "Robber barons," were the leaders that people believed were fierce, evil people, who worked and treated their employees harshly. On the other hand, "
industrial statesmen," were the leaders that were seen as gods of the industrial time period, whose generosity showed through donations and other kind acts. Many "
robber barons" used the system of vertical and
horizontal integration to gain control within industry. Vertical integration is the act of controlling raw materials or distribution facilities. Horizontal integration is the attempt to control more and more of a given niche of a particular industry.
During the
Gilded Age, large national
