Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueStreak
Anybody else watching this History Channel series? Just saw the first one which covers Vanderbilt, Scott, and Rockefeller. Next up, Carnegie and Frick.
So, far it's pretty good. It points out the accomplishments and valuable contributions of these men, but doesn't gloss over the fact that they could also be extremely ruthless tyrants. ( I wonder if they'll bring up Fords interactions with the Nazi Party?)
Those of you who've conversed with me here for a while know I absolutely hate the deification of historcal figures. I want the whole picture, warts and all. Some people these days can't handle knowing their heros were imperfect human beings. 
Anyhow, I was just curious to see if anyone else is watching.
Regards,
Dave |
An excellent series IMHO. They did a great job in depicting both the bad and the good of the robber-barrons. It also demonstrated the competition that existed between the participants. Overall, JD, Scott, and CV all contributed immensely to America. The significance must be compared to what was happening in other countries and how America fit in with the entire industrial revolution. I'm most certain that a lot of people benefitted by having cheaper and more readily available fuel to provide light and heat. Moreover, wothout the timely industrial growth, would America been able to eclipse Britain and then the directed might of Germany during the next century?