Born in 1835 in Scotland, this individual (1) to the United States as a child, settling with their family in Pennsylvania. From humble beginnings, they worked (2) to rise through the ranks of industry, starting as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory and later becoming a telegraph operator. Their keen intellect and relentless (3) eventually led them to opportunities in the railroad industry, where they began to accumulate (4) and develop their business acumen.
This industrialist is best known for their transformative role in the (5) industry. By embracing new technologies and streamlining production methods, they built one of the most successful steel (6) of the 19th century. Their business became a cornerstone of American infrastructure, providing the materials that built railroads, bridges, and skyscrapers, solidifying their position as one of the wealthiest individuals of their time.
However, this figure is equally remembered for their extraordinary (7) . Believing that the wealthy had a moral obligation to improve society, they gave away the majority of their (8) , funding libraries, universities, and cultural institutions across the world. Their philosophy of giving, outlined in a famous essay, emphasized using wealth to create opportunities for others rather than leaving large (9) .
They retired in 1901 after selling their steel company and dedicated the rest of their life to (10) endeavors. Passing away in 1919, this individual left behind a legacy of industrial innovation and social generosity that continues to inspire.
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Born in 1835 in Scotland, this individual (1) immigrated to the United States as a child, settling with their family in Pennsylvania. From humble beginnings, they worked (2) tirelessly to rise through the ranks of industry, starting as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory and later becoming a telegraph operator. Their keen intellect and relentless (3) ambition eventually led them to opportunities in the railroad industry, where they began to accumulate (4) wealth and develop their business acumen.
This industrialist is best known for their transformative role in the (5) steel industry. By embracing new technologies and streamlining production methods, they built one of the most successful steel (6) empires of the 19th century. Their business became a cornerstone of American infrastructure, providing the materials that built railroads, bridges, and skyscrapers, solidifying their position as one of the wealthiest individuals of their time.
However, this figure is equally remembered for their extraordinary (7) philanthropy. Believing that the wealthy had a moral obligation to improve society, they gave away the majority of their (8) fortune, funding libraries, universities, and cultural institutions across the world. Their philosophy of giving, outlined in a famous essay, emphasized using wealth to create opportunities for others rather than leaving large (9) inheritances.
They retired in 1901 after selling their steel company and dedicated the rest of their life to (10) charitable endeavors. Passing away in 1919, this individual left behind a legacy of industrial innovation and social generosity that continues to inspire.
▶ Click to show questions for discussion.
What were Andrew Carnegie's key contributions to the steel industry, and how did they shape the industrial growth of the United States?
How did Andrew Carnegie's use of vertical integration revolutionize business practices in his time?
What role did Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy play in shaping public institutions such as libraries, universities, and cultural organizations?
How did Andrew Carnegie justify his immense wealth in "The Gospel of Wealth," and what impact did his ideas have on philanthropy?
What controversies surround Andrew Carnegie’s labor practices, such as the Homestead Strike, and how do they complicate his legacy?
