Participate in a role play mock trial for robber barons. Pair up with a partner and select a robber baron to portray and put in trial. You may select: Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, Charles Schwab, James Fisk, John Jacob Astor, Jay Gould, Charles Crocker, Franklin Gowen, George Pullman, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, Henry Bradley Plant, J.P. Morgan, Daniel Dew, John D. Rockefeller or any other. Decide who will play the robber baron and who will play the prosecuting attorney. Working together, create a script in which you ask and answer a series of five questions the public would want answered regarding them and their business dealings. Make sure your answers to the questions are accurate and descriptive. Use your textbook and other reliable sources to construct your answers to the questions. List your sources at the end of your mock trial script. On the day of the mock trial, dress the part.
Title: The People vs. John D. Rockefeller
Characters:
- John D. Rockefeller (Portrayed by [Partner A])
- Prosecuting Attorney (Portrayed by [Partner B])
[Both characters are dressed appropriately for the time period]
[The mock trial begins. The prosecuting attorney [Partner B] stands up and addresses the judge.]
Prosecuting Attorney: Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we gather here today to put Mr. John D. Rockefeller on trial for his alleged role as a robber baron. We seek to answer five critical questions about his business dealings that concern the public.
Question 1:
Prosecuting Attorney: Mr. Rockefeller, can you explain to the court the nature of your business and how it grew to be a dominant force in the oil industry?
John D. Rockefeller: Thank you, Your Honor. Certainly, in the mid to late 19th century, I founded the Standard Oil Company. Our objective was to consolidate the oil refining industry, ensuring efficiency and stability. Through strategic acquisitions, vertical integration, and innovative business practices, we achieved significant growth and ultimately became a dominant force in the oil industry.
Question 2:
Prosecuting Attorney: Mr. Rockefeller, there have been claims that your business practices involved unfair competition and anti-competitive behavior. How do you respond to these allegations?
John D. Rockefeller: Your Honor, I understand these concerns. However, it is important to clarify that our efforts were directed towards improving efficiency and eliminating wasteful competition. We achieved this through practices such as integrating all aspects of oil production, ensuring better coordination and uniformity in prices. By eliminating market volatility and ensuring a consistent supply, we aimed to benefit both consumers and the industry itself.
Question 3:
Prosecuting Attorney: Mr. Rockefeller, it has been suggested that your methods of doing business raise questions of ethical behavior. Can you address these concerns?
John D. Rockefeller: I assure you, Your Honor, our actions were always within the bounds of the law. We were focused on fostering an efficient and stable industry, and as such, our actions were directed towards achieving those goals. While critics may question the morality of amassing tremendous wealth, we believe that our accomplishments ultimately contributed to the growth and development of the nation.
Question 4:
Prosecuting Attorney: Mr. Rockefeller, allegations of unfair labor practices have been made against your company. How do you respond to these accusations?
John D. Rockefeller: Your Honor, we were committed to maintaining productive labor relations. We provided our workers with fair wages, undertook efforts to improve working conditions, and even initiated profit-sharing programs. While challenges and conflicts were not absent, we continually worked towards addressing these issues and ensuring the well-being of our employees.
Question 5:
Prosecuting Attorney: Mr. Rockefeller, critics argue that your immense wealth concentrated power and had a negative impact on society. Can you provide any evidence of philanthropic efforts to support the public's welfare?
John D. Rockefeller: Certainly, Your Honor. Throughout my life, I embraced philanthropy as a means to give back to society. The establishment of the Rockefeller Foundation epitomizes this commitment. Its focus has been on medical research, education, and improving the lives of individuals around the world. The foundation continues to address critical global issues and leave a lasting positive impact.
[The questioning ends, and the trial proceeds to the closing arguments.]
Sources:
- Chernow, R. (1998). Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller Sr. Vintage Books.
- Brands, H. W. (2010). The Reckless Decade: America in the 1890s. University of Chicago Press.
- Yergin, D. (1991). The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power. Simon & Schuster.