Was JP Morgan a Robber Baron or Captain of Industry?

Answer 1

In my opinion, JP Morgan was a Robber Baron because he used all the interest he collected from his bank and the income from the American Steel Company to fund large projects of his and to purchase many luxury items. (I.e. build random buildings for his college, Harvard)

Answer 2

That would depend both upon whom you ask, and whom specifically you wish to describe. A 'Captain of Industry' might be a person like Tesla (for electricity), patenting amazing advances in the field, yet allowing unlicensed others to (ab)use the patent in the public interest; whereas a 'Robber Baron' generally has more selfish ends in mind, and could not care less about the general--much less the relevant industry's--well being, a la Edison. Unfortunately, these descriptions are usually only made possible by hindsight, at least for the public.

Answer 3

One does not exclude the other. He made obscene profits using questionable practices, but he later became a philanthropist.

Answer 4

yes

Answer 5

The terms Robber Baron and Captain of Industry are synonymous - history proves.