HIST1302-Andrew Carnegie Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why is Andrew Carnegie important?

He was one of the 'Captains of Industry' who led America into a new industrial era during the late nineteenth century, specializing in steel.

Where was Andrew Carnegie born?

Dumferline, Scotland

What event led to Andrew Carnegie's father's financial ruin?

Power linen-looms came to that region of Scotland, undercutting his business.

What did the bobbin factory, the O'Reilly Telegraph Company, and the Pennsylvania Railroad have in common for young Andrew?

He was employed in all three businesses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the phrase, 'doing things railroad fashion'?

'The railroad became almost universally the standard for efficiency and order.' Signup and view all the answers

What industry did Andrew Carnegie choose to focus on?

The steel industry Signup and view all the answers

What was Henry Bessemer's contribution to the steel industry?

He invented the 'Bessemer Converter.' Signup and view all the answers

Who was William R. Jones?

A plant manager who was a genius at leadership and invention. Signup and view all the answers

What did Minnesota's Mesabi Range have to do with Andrew Carnegie's success?

Its iron ore fed Carnegie's steel works in Pennsylvania. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Brooklyn Bridge and the Washington Monument have in common in relation to Andrew Carnegie?

Carnegie steel provided the framework for each. Signup and view all the answers

How much did J.P. Morgan pay Andrew Carnegie for his steel company?

$492 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the book written by Andrew Carnegie in 1886?

Triumphant Democracy Signup and view all the answers

What did John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, Thomas Edison, and Cornelius Vanderbilt have in common?

They were brilliant entrepreneurs who led the industrial transformation of America during the late nineteenth century. Signup and view all the answers

What did Herbert Spencer's philosophy contribute to the industrial revolution in America?

He pioneered 'social Darwinism.' Signup and view all the answers

What did William Jones mean when he said 'Andy was born with two sets of teeth and holes bored for a third'?

Andrew Carnegie was a hard-driving, even ruthless, businessman. Signup and view all the answers

How did Carnegie gain an advantage over Duquesne Steel Works?

Carnegie spread a rumor that the Duquesne rails lacked 'homogeneity.' Signup and view all the answers

How did Hamlin Garland describe the working-class neighborhoods around Carnegie's mills?

'Everywhere the yellow mud of the streets lay kneaded into sticky masses.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Andrew Carnegie's Significance

Integral figure in America's industrial transformation during the late nineteenth century, known as one of the "Captains of Industry."
Specialized in steel production, while others focused on oil, transportation, and communication.

Early Life and Background

Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, with family facing financial ruin due to mechanized linen-looms.

Career Beginnings

After relocating to Pittsburgh in 1848, worked in a bobbin factory, the O'Reilly Telegraph Company, and the Pennsylvania Railroad, gaining diverse business experience.

Efficiency in Business

"Doing things railroad fashion" represented high standards of efficiency and order in business practices, influenced by Carnegie's experiences with the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Steel Industry Focus

Chose to concentrate his efforts in the steel industry to maximize impact and wealth accumulation.

Bessemer's Innovation

Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer Converter, revolutionizing steel production by efficiently transforming molten iron into stronger steel.

Leadership at Carnegie's Plant

William R. Jones, a prominent plant manager known for his effective leadership and personal connection with workers, contributed significantly to operational success.

Resource Management

Minnesota's Mesabi Range provided essential iron ore for Carnegie's steelworks; he controlled some transportation routes from the range to Pittsburgh.

Structural Contributions

Carnegie steel was crucial in the construction of iconic American landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Washington Monument.

Major Business Transaction

Sold his steel company to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for $492 million (approximately $20 billion today); the new entity was named U.S. Steel.

Optimistic Writings

Authored "Triumphant Democracy" in 1886, reflecting his positive outlook on human progress and industry.

Industrial Peers

Associated with influential industrial leaders such as John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, Thomas Edison, and Cornelius Vanderbilt, all playing key roles in the era's business landscape.

Herbert Spencer's ideas on "social Darwinism" influenced Carnegie's worldview, promoting the notion that wealth accumulation indicated societal progress.

Business Character

Described by William Jones as "hard-driving, even ruthless," highlighting Carnegie's aggressive business tactics.

Competitive Tactics

Compete effectively against Duquesne Steel Works by spreading unfounded rumors about their product quality to undermine competition.

Working-Class Conditions

Hamlin Garland depicted grim living conditions in working-class neighborhoods, characterized by dirt and poverty surrounding Carnegie's mills.

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Description

Explore the life and contributions of Andrew Carnegie, a pivotal figure in America's industrialization. These flashcards cover his significance, origins, and background, providing an essential study tool for those interested in American history.