Cornelius VanderbiltThe Ultimate “Captain of

Industry”

Tiara, Isabelle, Eamonn, Yasmine, Diana

How He Acquired His Wealth

Initiated his empire through railroad transportation

Begun a steamship service that transported prospectors from New York to San Francisco in relation to the Gold Rush in California

How He Treated His Workers

Gave Christmas bonuses regularly Originator of the idea of coffee

breaks Initiated a business in Grand Central

terminal to employ those unemployed and poor

How He Spent His Money Common stock New York Central

Railroad 2,000 shares North Star- steam yacht, tour of

Europe Staten Island mansion Construction of Grand Central

Terminal provided employment

How He Donated His Money

Donated $1,000,000 to Vanderbilt University

Granted the Church of the Strangers in New York $50,000

Donated $1,000,000 to the Union Navy and his fastest and largest steamship during the Civil War

Donated millions of dollars to medical research after he passed away

Why He Was Better then the Other “Robber Barons”

While Cornelius Vanderbilt had his flaws as a Capital of Industry, gathered evidence has proven that his lifestyle was more conservative than most Robber Barons and offered different organizations to give back to his Nation. Instead of indulging his money into purchasing luxurious houses, Vanderbilt began construction of Grand Central Terminal in NYC to help thousands of people unemployed find a job during 1873 while other entrepreneurs exploited workers in factories. Vanderbilt also never manipulated the government for his own desires as others had, and advocated equality which he displayed when he donated a ship to the Union during the Civil War to end slavery. And unlike other Robber Barons, Vanderbilt had never violated the law and respected the limitations placed upon monopolies.

Conclusion A Captain of Industry is defined as , a

business leader whose means of amassing a personal fortune contributes positively to the country in some way. Vanderbilt is a Captain of Industry for building an empire of the railroad industry and steamship service across the Americas as well as contributing to his Nation during the Civil War and the welfare of the American people.