Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Robber Barons

Filed Under » , , ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Robber Barons'

A disparaging term dating back to the 12th century which refers to:

1. Unscrupulous feudal lords who amassed personal fortunes by using illegal and immoral business practices, such as illegally charging tolls to passing merchant ships.

2. Modern-day businesspeople who allegedly engage in unethical business tactics and questionable stock market transactions to build large personal fortunes.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Robber Barons'

Due to the robber barons' unethical business practices, such as the exploitation of labor, the general public typically regards these aggressive capitalists with disdain. However, some historians argue that the late-19th century entrepreneurs usually referred to as "robber barons" - including Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller - are responsible for building a large portion of the U.S.'s current economic clout, because of their large investments in burgeoning American industries. Many also went on to become high-profile philanthropists.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    The Evolution Of Banking

    Banks are a part of ancient history. Find out how this system of money management developed into what we know today.

  2. Evaluating A Company's Management

    Financial statements don't tell you everything about a company's health. Investigate the management behind the numbers!

  3. Defining Illegal Insider Trading

    The better you understand why insider trading can be criminal, the better you'll understand how the market works.

  4. Elves And Gnomes: Fairy Tale Investment Terms

    What do elves have to do with investing? Meet the fairytale creatures running around Wall Street.

  5. Get Tough On Management Puff

    Company managers are often skilled at fooling investors. Be critical and don't believe the hype.

  6. Handcuffs And Smoking Guns: The Criminal Elements Of Wall Street

    From godfathers to perps, familiarize yourself with the "criminal elements" creeping around Wall Street.

  7. J.D. Rockefeller: From Oil Baron To Billionaire

    More than 70 years after his death, this man remains one of the great figures of Wall Street.

  8. The Kingpin Of Wall Street: J.P. Morgan

    From robber baron to the hero of the Panic of 1907, this man helped shape Wall Street as we know it.

  9. Why The Consumer Price Index Is Controversial

    Find out why economists are torn about how to calculate inflation.

  10. Predict Inflation With The Producer Price Index

    Find out how the PPI can be used to gauge the overall health of the economy.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.

  2. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.

  3. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.

  4. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.

  5. Consequential Loss

    The amount of loss incurred as a result of being unable to use business property or equipment.

  6. Lease To Own

    An arrangement where an individual enters into a lease agreement with an owner with the inclusion of a clause that typically gives the individual the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the item leased at a predefined price and time.
Trading Center