MR. JOHNSON:THE POWER OF THE CORPORATION IN

AMERICAN HISTORY

Robber Baron WebQuest:

Webquest Directory

IntroductionTaskEvaluationConclusionCredits

Introduction

Intro:

The United States experienced exponential industrial growth during the late 19th century. Rockefeller, Carnegie, Morgan and Vanderbilt

are constantly revered as the business men Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Warren Buffet look up to. How did the above industrialists impact

America?

Task:

Task: Upon the thorough investigation of several sources, write an informed yet persuasive reaction paper addressing the following questions:

  Were the industrial leaders of the Gilded Age benevolent captains of industry or convincing

Robber Barons?

Procedure: Below is a web address that contains many links about the era’s four main industrialists: Carnegie, Morgan, Rockefeller and Vanderbilt. Explore the links to get a good view of both sides of the argument. Some of the links may be broken. If this is the case simply move on.

  Each side of the argument contains many nuances. Remember when writing persuasively, you

must not only make your case but you must acknowledge the opposition.   Length: 2-3 pages. Include sources and bibliography, Thesis Statements, Quote Sandwiches  

Web Link:   http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=429   http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carnegie/sfeature/p_carvrock.html   http://middle.usm.k12.wi.us/faculty/taft/Unit5/baronscaptains.htm  

Evaluation

Amity School-wide Rubric for Writing 4-Exemplary This piece of writing is very well organized and contains comprehensive analysis, support and development. The writer demonstrates a rich vocabulary, very strong control of language, and a voice and tone that engage the audience. 3-Proficient This piece of writing is well organized and contains thorough analysis, support and development. The writer demonstrates an effective vocabulary, good control of language, and an appropriate voice and tone for the audience. 2- Developing This piece of writing is somewhat disorganized and contains minimal analysis, support and development. The writer demonstrates a limited vocabulary, inconsistent control of language, and a somewhat inappropriate voice and tone for the audience. 1- Deficient This piece of writing is disorganized and lacking in analysis, support and development. The writer demonstrates a weak vocabulary, little control of basic language skills and an inappropriate voice and tone for the audience.

Conclusion: Please Complete the Learning Log

Learning Log 1. What did I do in class today?     Give a brief description of your class activities. 2. What did I learn?

  There’s always something!

3. What did I find most interesting?  “Nothing” is not an acceptable answer. 4. What questions do I have about what I learned?  This is important- THINK! 5. What was the point of today’s lesson?   Why would your teacher plan this activity? 6. What connections can I make to previous learning?  Is there any connection to something you’ve learned in other classes, this class, perhaps something you

thought about?

Credits: