Captain of industry

For other uses, see Captains of Industry (disambiguation).
Joseph Whitworth, whom Carlyle lauded as an exemplary captain of industry[1]

In the 19th century, a captain of industry was a business leader whose means of amassing a personal fortune contributed positively to the country in some way. This may have been through increased productivity, expansion of markets, providing more jobs, or acts of philanthropy.[2] This characterization contrasts with that of the robber baron, a business leader using political means to achieve personal ends.

  1. ^ Carlyle, Thomas (18 February 1873). "TC to Sir Joseph Whitworth". Carlyle Letters Online.
  2. ^ Scranton, Philip. "Fine Line Between Thief and Entrepreneur". Teachinghistory.org. Retrieved 12 July 2011.