Wealth and Power

Wealth and power have been seducing humankind since its existence. The ability to have prestige and privilege over others is one of the most enduring motives in history. Possessing wealth and power has enabled figures from history to change, rule, control and shape historical events and the world. But how does one attain wealth and power? How does someone become part of the ruling elite? What price do people pay for wealth and power? How have people used wealth and power to the benefit and detriment of humankind? These are the questions Wealth and Power seeks to answer. This unique series explores some of the most powerful and wealthiest figures in world history. From the Mongolian Steppes to the boulevards of Hollywood, Wealth and Power traces the role of prestige and ambition in the human experience.

Wealth and Power would be useful for classes on World history, World Culture, Military History, Economics, Political Science and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Building a Modern World

This episode examines some of America's greatest industrialists. Students will explore the role of robber barons in American life and culture. They will analyze their contributions as well as their shortcomings, and discuss the impact of their wealth, power and influence on American cultural and economic history.

OBJECTIVES:

Students will explore how wealth and power shape society. They will analyze the role of wealth and power in world history and in creating their own societies. They will examine what drives human ambition, and the how power and wealth can endow its owners with prestige and privilege, as well as cause despair and corruption.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS:

Wealth and Power: Building a Modern World fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for eras 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Discussion Questions

  1. Industrialists of the late 19th century are called robber barons. What does this term mean? Why is it used to describe these men?

  2. John Jacob Astor was one of the richest men of his time. But, like some other industrialists, he was not American-born. Where was he born? How and why did he come to America?

  3. Astor made his fortune in the fur trade business. Why did he choose this business?

  4. Discuss some of the dangers of the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.

  5. Cornelius Vanderbilt amassed one of the largest fortunes ever seen in America. How did Vanderbilt make his fortune?

  6. Vanderbilt was a very large man. How did his size contribute to his ability to secure his fortune?

  7. Vanderbilt had the foresight to invest his money in railroads. How and why did he get into the train business?

  8. What is the legacy of Cornelius Vanderbilt?

  9. Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish immigrant who amassed a fortune in the steel industry. How were Carnegie and his fortune products of the industrial revolution?

  10. Discuss the role of Andrew Carnegie's mother in his success.

  11. How did Carnegie get into the steel business? How did he get out of it?

  12. What made Andrew Carnegie different from his peers who were also industrialists and tycoons?

  13. Research and discuss the Homestead Strike. How did this strike illustrate the problems of an industrializing America?

  14. J.P. Morgan was the man who bought Carnegie's steel industry. How did Morgan make his fortune? What was his business?

  15. What is a financier? How do they make money?

  16. How did John D. Rockefeller make his fortune? What is the Rockefeller legacy?
Extended Activities

  1. Research John Jacob Astor and write a biography of his life and times. What was his influence on American culture? How did his position in society and business define him?

  2. Design a memorial or commemorative coin/poster that illustrates the personality, character and contributions (good or bad) of a industrialist of your choice.
Related Videos
Primary Sources
  • MULLER V. OREGON - Justice Brewer delivered the opinion of the Court.

Air Dates

Classroom Materials