Philanthropy of American Business Leaders, 1910-1932

The public views and record of philanthropy of a convenience and judgment sample of fifty-eight American big business leaders were weighed against both Robber Baron and Industrial Statesman interpretations of entrepreneurship to test the revisionist Industrial Statesman hypothesis that the views and dona- tions of a purposive sample of America's business leaders for the period 1910 to 1932 demonstrated positive contributions to our nation's learning, culture, and human welfare. In this manner the philosophy of public service emerged as a prominent moving force explaining the philanthropy of American business leaders, re- sulting from an ethical, humanitarian morality which championed the role of education in a democratic society, and the preservation of American civiliza- tion. Thoughtful motives similarly prompted generous giving, as evidenced in libraries, museums, the theater, and art galleries, while additionally providing or enriching those facilities that have enhanced the country's health, research, technology, and leisure-time activities.