Andrew Carnegie's Empire — Reading Comprehension

Andrew Carnegie was a leading figure in American industrialization during the late 1800s. Born in Scotland in 1835, he immigrated to the United States as a child. Carnegie eventually built a fortune in the steel industry, but his story is complex. It involves ambition, hard work, social conflict, and a philosophy called the Gospel of Wealth.

Carnegie’s rise began with the rapid expansion of American cities and railroads. Steel was in high demand for building bridges, skyscrapers, and railroad tracks. Carnegie saw an opportunity and invested in steel mills that used the new Bessemer process. This innovation made steel production faster and cheaper than ever before. As a result, Carnegie Steel became one of the most powerful companies in the country. However, this growth came with challenges. Workers often faced dangerous conditions and low pay. Labor unions clashed with company managers, especially during strikes like the 1892 Homestead Strike.

From the viewpoint of business leaders, Carnegie was seen as a model of the American dream. He started with almost nothing and became one of the richest men in the world. Yet, many workers saw a different side. They believed that the wealth of owners like Carnegie was built on the hard work and sacrifices of ordinary people. This tension led to questions about inequality and justice during the Gilded Age.

Carnegie developed his own philosophy about wealth and responsibility. In 1889, he wrote, “The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” This famous line from his essay, “The Gospel of Wealth,” meant that rich people had a duty to use their money for the greater good, not just for themselves. Carnegie argued that philanthropy—or giving money to help others—was the best way for the wealthy to benefit society. He gave away most of his fortune to build libraries, schools, and cultural institutions across the country.

However, not everyone agreed with Carnegie’s ideas. Critics argued that charity could not solve the deep problems of unfair wages and unsafe workplaces. Labor leaders believed that true fairness required laws to protect workers, not just the generosity of the rich. This debate revealed a contradiction in Carnegie’s legacy: while he was a great benefactor, his company still resisted labor reforms and fought against unions. The Homestead Strike, in particular, showed the limits of his reform efforts.

Despite these complexities, Carnegie’s actions had lasting consequences for American society. His charitable donations helped millions of people get an education and access to knowledge. At the same time, his business practices forced the nation to confront questions about fairness and the responsibilities of wealth. The story of Andrew Carnegie is not simply one of success, but of ongoing debates about opportunity, justice, and the role of the rich in shaping society.

Interesting Fact: Carnegie funded over 2,500 public libraries in the United States and around the world, transforming access to books and learning for many communities.

Where was Andrew Carnegie born?

What industry made Carnegie wealthy?

What major strike happened in 1892?

Why did steel become important in the U.S.?

What was Carnegie's view on wealth?

Why did labor unions clash with Carnegie's company?

Carnegie funded over 2,500 libraries. True or False?

What does philanthropy mean in the passage?