NOVEMBER 2016 - The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Wrapping Up the Week

(view spoiler)[ 1. Now that we’ve gotten to know Vanderbilt, how did his upbringing affect his business attitudes?

2. Mark Cuban said, “Wherever there’s change, wherever there’s uncertainty, there’s opportunity.” How did Vanderbilt demonstrate this principle?


James Fisk, Jr. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Wrapping Up the Week

(view spoiler)[1. What do you think was most significant in Vanderbilt’s role in helping the country after the Civil War?

2. Who was Vanderbilt’s fiercest opponent?


Jay Gould (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Chapter Overviews and Summaries
Week Five

(view spoiler)[Chapter 18 – Dynasty – 518 - 562

Vanderbilt closely supervised his railroad empire even when on his deathbed. He saw the Panic of 1873 coming, and managed to save his empire from near disaster. Despite his disdain for Corneil's weaknesses, he never turned away from his son, and held out hope that he could reform himself.



Epilogue – 563 - 572

Vanderbilt's estate was worth at his death one out of every twenty dollars in circulation, including cash and bank deposits.

(hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Five Discussion Questions - Chapter 18 – Dynasty – 518 - 562

(view spoiler)[1. What do you attribute Vanderbilt’s detachment from politics? Was it purely personal or do you think he had a financial / business reason?

2. How did the railroads affect politics?

3. Were you surprised that Vanderbilt enjoyed dabbling in spiritualism / talking to the dead? Do you think he really relied on any information he got from the Calflin / Woodhull sisters?


Thomas A. Scott (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Five Discussion Questions - Epilogue – 563 - 572

(view spoiler)[1. What are your thoughts on the lengthy trial of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s will?

2. In the Epilogue the author states, “The Commodore’s life left its mark on Americans’ most basic beliefs about equality and opportunity. He epitomized the Jacksonian ideal of every man being free to compete and rise on his merits, and that ideal remains a bright thread in the fabric of American thought.” Would you agree with this statement?


Vanderbilt campus c. 1875 (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Five Discussion Questions – Wrapping up the book

(view spoiler)[ 1. What is Cornelius Vanderbilt’s legacy?

2. What are your final thoughts on the book?


Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC (hide spoiler)]