Cornelius Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt was known by this nickname because of his early shipping empire.
What is “The Commodore”?
Rockefeller becomes valuable to Vanderbilt because he can produce this new fuel at an unmatched quality.
Kerosine
Carnegie gains powerful mentorship under this railroad executive.
Who is Tom Scott?
Vanderbilt’s aggressive tactics show the darker side of industry, leading some to call him this.
What is a “Robber Baron”?
Vanderbilt attempts to gain power over Rockefeller by demanding this be lowered to crush competitors.
What are shipping rates / freight rates?
In Episode 1, Vanderbilt decides to shift from shipping to this new and growing industry.
What is railroads?
Rockefeller’s massive oil deal with Vanderbilt leads him to create a new type of business model that controls most of the refining industry.
What is a monopoly / trust?
When Scott gives Carnegie a massive project — building a bridge over the Mississippi River — Carnegie chooses this newly emerging material.
Steel
Rockefeller improves safety and lowers prices for the everyday consumer through this key product.
What is kerosene?
Gould and Fisk manipulate Vanderbilt by illegally printing more of this financial item.
What is Erie Railroad stock?
Vanderbilt shuts down this crucial connection into New York City to crush his rivals.
What is the Albany Bridge / access into NYC?
When Vanderbilt and Gould fight over the railroads, Rockefeller turns to this new method of transportation to avoid relying on rail altogether.
What are pipelines?
Who does Carnegie hire to assist with his expansion?
Henry Frick
Carnegie’s story emphasizes how immigrants could rise through hard work during this time period.
What is the Gilded Age / Industrial Revolution?
In Episode 2, this new age of building and expansion becomes possible thanks to steel.
What is the skyscraper / industrial age?
Vanderbilt surprises everyone when he partners with this young future titan after being impressed with his oil quality.
Who is John D. Rockefeller?
How would you describe Henry Frick?
Ruthless, violent
All three men become symbols of America’s shift from farms to factories, a transition known as this.
What is industrialization?
Student response