Lesson. 38  Men of Means

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Questions and Answers

Which industry did Cornelius Vanderbilt primarily use to accumulate his wealth?

  • Steel
  • Banking
  • Railroad and Shipping (correct)
  • Oil

Andrew Carnegie believed it was better to leave a large inheritance to family than to give money away during his lifetime.

False (B)

What was a primary cause many people had for disliking the wealthy men of the Gilded Age, in regards to business practices?

selfish purposes and exploitation of workers / exploitation of workers / not paying employees enough

During his lifetime, Andrew Carnegie helped fund more than 2,500 ______.

<p>libraries</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following philanthropists with their primary focus of charitable giving:

<p>Andrew Carnegie = Building Libraries John D. Rockefeller = Medical Research and Education</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a capitalist system, as described?

<p>The people own the country's goods and businesses, and are free to start businesses and invest money. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that under a system of capitalism, wealth is always distributed evenly among the population.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential negative impact does the text suggest wealth can have on individuals?

<p>forget God's command to be generous/ focusing too much on wealth and forgetting to be thankful/ forgetting to be thankful</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one thing God expects from all people, regardless of their wealth?

<p>To be content with what He provides and to do good with the money He gives them. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Many 'Rags-to-Riches' stories became popular in the late 1800s because some Americans thought they could achieve fabulous riches if they only worked hard enough and used money ______.

<p>well</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Men of Means

Wealthy industrialists of the late 1800s who amassed fortunes in industries like steel, oil, and railroads.

Business Acumen

The ability to identify lucrative opportunities and make profitable decisions in business and investments.

Philanthropy

The practice of donating large sums of money to charitable causes.

Capitalism

A system where private individuals and companies own the means of production and distribution.

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"Rags-to-Riches"

Stories of individuals who rise from poverty to wealth through hard work and determination.

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Coveting Wealth

Feeling discontent or resentment towards others' possessions or success.

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Contentment

Being satisfied and content with what one has.

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Generosity

Using wealth and resources to benefit others and contribute to society.

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Wealth Obsession

Focusing excessively on enjoying wealth and neglecting gratitude and generosity.

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Study Notes

  • In the late 1800s, some Americans accumulated unprecedented wealth.
  • Andrew Carnegie made his fortune in the steel industry.
  • John D. Rockefeller became wealthy in the oil industry.
  • Cornelius Vanderbilt gained riches through railroads and shipping.
  • These men were worth millions of dollars.
  • Many wealthy men of the Gilded Age were not born rich.
  • These men learned to work hard, earn money, and invest wisely.
  • They understood how to save and when to take financial risks.
  • The men were adept at recognizing profitable opportunities.

Philanthropy

  • Wealthy men gave away significant portions of their wealth.
  • Andrew Carnegie advocated for using wealth to help others during one's lifetime.
  • Carnegie contributed to the construction of over 2,500 libraries.
  • He also donated to schools, colleges, and churches.
  • Carnegie gave away over $350 million by the time of his death.
  • John D. Rockefeller was taught to give money away early in life.
  • Rockefeller donated millions to medical research and schools.
  • Other wealthy men also gave generously to churches, hospitals, museums, and opera houses.

Public Opinion

  • "Rags-to-riches" stories became popular, inspiring some to pursue wealth.
  • Some believed hard work and wise money management could lead to riches.
  • Others viewed the millionaires negatively.
  • Critics felt they possessed excessive wealth and questioned their business practices.
  • Some accused them of exploiting others for selfish gain.
  • Some thought they demanded too much from their workers while paying them too little.

Capitalism

  • Americans were gaining experience with capitalism.
  • Capitalism is a system where people, not the government, own goods and businesses.
  • Everyone is free to earn, spend, start businesses, and invest.
  • Capitalism leads to disparities in wealth.
  • Those with less money may envy the wealthy.
  • The wealthy may look down on the poor.
  • Wealth can cause people to forget generosity and thankfulness to God.
  • God expects everyone to work hard, trust Him, be content, and use their resources for good.

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