Andrew Carnegie: Influence on the History of Industrialization
Did industrialist like Andrew Carnegie harm or benefit the U.S economy and the quality of life of its citizens? Andrew Carnegie came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania from Scotland when he was thirteen with his family. In Pittsburg he worked as a telegram messenger. He worked as a messenger he spent lots of time at the Pennsylvania Railroad office leading to his interest in steel. This was the start of his journey to become a steel magnate. Numerous industrialists like him did everything they thought was needed to become successful.
Andrew Carnegie would be considered a billionaire in present day, but many believe he does not deserve that title. He did things that caused people to see him as deceitful. Carnegie would give away libraries to the city with his money, but at the same time reduce his employees’ wages. Industrialist like Andrew Carnegie would also use children to work for them, they did not care if they got severely injured. Numerous believe this kind of treatment for their employees was extremely unfair but not everyone views industrialist as worthless. Andrew as well as other industrialist are praised for coming from a poor home and working their way to be successful. Though he was not the most educated person on science Carnegie was an “excellent promoter and salesman” allowing him to be as successful as he was. Andrew is also well known for encouraging philanthropy, something not many people do. The cartoons are aimed for young people and lead them to believe industrialist are horrendous people. The cartoons show Andrew being a liar and industrialist like him overworking children, but it does not show what the work lead to. The textbook information is meant for students to believe industrialist helped the economy and were nice and smart people. The information in the textbook fails to explain in detail how he treated his employees. It only explains his journey to success.
Andrew Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” caused the rich and poor to be stereotyped a lot. In the “Gospel of Wealth” Andrew stated, “the community will surely judge, and its judgements will not often be wrong”. The rich are hardworking, persevering and wise people. The poor were lazy. He strongly believed having the rich and poor allows balance, and everyone benefited from it. Andrew also explains that there are three ways to dispose of money. It can be given to family, given to charities, and the ideal one is to administer the wealth while they are alive. Andrew Carnegie’s most famous quote, “man who dies thus rich dies disgraced”. He believed those who were rich should give to those that were less fortunate. Gospel of Wealth was aimed for people who were wealthy and educated. Andrew wanted those who had money understood what they should use their money for and tried to persuade them into philanthropy. He never mentions is the poor do become educated they would become wealthier. He constantly says the poor need help but rarely says the eventually will not need their help.
The circumstances and time the industrialist was in allows them to be excused from the mistreatment. Andrew as well as other industrialist were in a very competitive business. The industrialist was used to fair treatment and rights that today everyone deserves. Andrew “served as Superintendent of Military Railways and telegraph coordinator of the union forces”. Showing he was a good man but because in those times employees did not have any rights especially if they were not white, he never thought to treat them well. He also grew to include iron ore mines furnaces, mills and steel works for factories this helped with employment. It opened more jobs and gave opportunity to people Carnegie helped revolutionize steel production and helped the economy. The information in the textbook is written for students to show the good side of Andrew. It shows how he was a hard-working man but rarely talks about how he treated his employees.
Overall industrialist like Andrew Carnegie helped the economy and the quality of life and its citizens. If they had not overworked their employees, we would not have the steel production we have today. In present day we now have employee rights that help prevent employees being overworked by the employer. The “Gospel of Wealth” has helped us understand what it is those who are wealthy should use their money for. The industrialist helped with the explanation of production and employment. The industrialist helped us grow and improve as an economy and as people.
