What is a rubber baron?

The term ‘Rubber baron’ relates to the successful business entrepreneurs of the rubber boom, between 1870 and 1913. The rubber boom incentivized exploration and colonization: starting a competition between the countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru for amazon territory rich in rubber.

Who were the robber barons?

In contrast, conservative American historian Burton W. Folsom argues that the robber barons were either political entrepreneurs (who lobby government for subsidies and monopoly rights), or market entrepreneurs (who innovate and reduce costs to provide the best good or service at the lowest price).

What role did rubber barons play in regional politics?

The rubber barons played an important role in regional politics, sometimes ruling as the government of an area. This culminated in events like the Acre War, and a dictatorial junta in Venezuela under the leadership of Tomás Funes. Another prominent example is the Colombia-Peru War in the 1930s, which Julio César Arana had a role in instigating.