Andrew Carnegie: Biography, Success Story, Industrialist

Andrew Carnegie’s biography is a quintessential success story that spans from humble beginnings in Dunfermline, Scotland, to becoming one of the most successful and philanthropic industrialists in American history. Born on November 25, 1835, Carnegie immigrated to the United States in 1848, where he embarked on a journey in the steel industry that would eventually lead to the formation of the Carnegie Steel Company and transform him into one of the wealthiest men in the world.

Early Life

Early Years in Scotland

Andrew Carnegie was born into a humble weaver’s family in Dunfermline, Scotland, where his first home was a simple weaver’s cottage he shared with another family. His childhood was spent in a house that served as a living and sleeping space, a typical setup for many in his community. His early life was marked by the influence of his maternal uncle, George Lauder Sr., who introduced him to the literary works of Robert Burns and the heroic tales of Scottish figures like Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. This exposure deeply impacted young Andrew, shaping his future ambitions and values.

In 1836, as the demand for damask, which his father wove, grew, the Carnegie family moved to a larger home on Edgar Street. In this environment, Andrew received his foundational education at the Free School in Dunfermline, a benefaction from philanthropist Adam Rolland of Gask.

Journey to America

The economic downturn in Scotland, compounded by Andrew’s father’s failing weaving business, prompted the Carnegie family to seek a better life. In 1848, when Andrew was just 12 years old, they borrowed money and immigrated to Allegheny, Pennsylvania. This was not Andrew’s first journey outside his hometown, as he had previously traveled to Edinburgh to see Queen Victoria.

Upon arriving in America, Carnegie’s father tried unsuccessfully to peddle his weaving products. This led Andrew and his father to seek employment at the Anchor Cotton Mills, a Scottish-owned establishment. Here, Andrew started his American working life as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory, earning a meager $1.20 per week, adjusted for inflation, equating to $42 in 2023.

Early Career and Challenges

Andrew’s father soon left the mill, thrusting the young Carnegie into the role of breadwinner once again. His industriousness caught the eye of John Hay, a Scottish bobbins manufacturer, who offered him a job at $2.00 per week, the equivalent of $70 today by 2023’s standards. Despite the opportunity, Andrew found the work demanding, often struggling with running a small steam engine and maintaining the boiler’s pressure overnight. These early experiences were challenging, yet they were pivotal, shaping Carnegie into a resilient and determined young man, ready to rise through the ranks of American industry.

Career

From Telegraph Boy to Tycoon

In 1849, at 14, Andrew Carnegie took his first steps into the working world of communications as a telegraph messenger boy in Pittsburgh for the Ohio Telegraph Company. His weekly salary was $2.50, translating to approximately $92 in 2023 currency. This opportunity came through the recommendation of his uncle, a connection that would prove to be the first of many in Carnegie’s ascent.

Carnegie distinguished himself early on by his diligent work ethic. He memorized not only the locations of all major Pittsburgh businesses but also the faces of key individuals. This recognition and recall knack helped him make connections throughout the city. Moreover, his keen attention to detail allowed him to quickly learn to interpret the various sounds of incoming telegraph signals. Remarkably, he mastered translating these signals by ear alone, a skill that led to his rapid promotion to telegraph operator within a year.

Parallel to his professional development, Carnegie’s intellectual life flourished thanks to the generosity of Colonel James Anderson, who opened his library of 400 books to working boys every Saturday night. An avid reader, Carnegie benefited greatly from this resource, fueling his passion for learning and self-improvement. This experience profoundly impacted him; he vowed that if he ever became wealthy, he would ensure that other less fortunate boys could have similar opportunities to access education and knowledge.

Early Strides in the Railroad Sector

In 1853, at the age of 18, Andrew Carnegie began his ascent in the business world when he joined the Pennsylvania Railroad. Thomas A. Scott, a key figure at the railroad, hired him as a secretary and telegraph operator with a weekly salary of $4.00—equivalent to about $146 in 2023. Recognizing greater opportunities for advancement compared to his position in the telegraph company, Carnegie eagerly embraced this new role.

By the age of 24, Carnegie’s competence and ambition had caught Scott’s attention, prompting a significant promotion to superintendent of the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad on December 1, 1859. This role came with increased responsibilities and a salary of $1,500 annually, which would be around $51,000 today. During this period, Carnegie also began to build his team, hiring his sixteen-year-old brother, Tom, as his personal secretary and telegraph operator. Additionally, he hired his cousin, Maria Hogan, marking her as the country’s first female telegraph operator.

The way to become rich is to put all your eggs in one basket and then watch that basket. – Andrew Carnegie Click To Tweet

Under Scott’s mentorship, Carnegie made his initial foray into investment. In 1855, with Scott’s assistance, he invested $500 in Adams Express Company, leveraging a $600 mortgage his mother placed on their family home for the venture. This company had a lucrative contract with the Pennsylvania Railroad to carry its messengers, presenting a golden opportunity for Carnegie thanks to his close relationship with Scott.

Carnegie’s early investments extended to receiving shares in Theodore Tuttle Woodruff’s sleeping car company as part of an arrangement involving shares Woodruff had allocated to Scott and Thomson as a payoff. Carnegie’s shrewd reinvestment of his earnings in industries related to railroads—such as iron, bridges, and rails—not only multiplied his capital but also solidified his foundation for future business ventures. His strategic positioning allowed him to leverage his connections with Thomson and Scott, eventually creating businesses that supplied essential materials to the railroad industry. These ventures proved crucial in establishing Carnegie as a significant figure in American industry.

1860–1865: Mastermind of Civil War Logistics

As the United States edged closer to the Civil War, Andrew Carnegie foresaw the increasing importance of rail and telegraph communication. He orchestrated a pivotal merger between George Pullman, the inventor of the luxury sleeping car, and Theodore Woodruff’s company, enhancing long-distance business travel. This venture turned out to be highly profitable, bolstering Carnegie’s reputation and financial standing.

With the outbreak of war in 1861, Carnegie’s expertise caught the attention of Tom Scott, who served as Assistant Secretary of War. Scott appointed him Superintendent of the Military Railways and the Union Government’s telegraph lines in the East. In this critical role, Carnegie ensured that Washington D.C. remained accessible by rail, even riding the locomotive that brought the first brigade of Union troops into the city.

Following the Union defeat at Bull Run, Carnegie took charge of organizing the transportation of the retreating forces. His efforts in managing railways and telegraph services proved indispensable, contributing significantly to the Union’s communication and logistical capabilities throughout the war.

The Civil War underscored the strategic necessity of well-coordinated transportation and communication networks. Under Carnegie’s management, these systems supported Union military efforts and demonstrated their potential to transform American industry. This period of intense activity laid the groundwork for Carnegie’s post-war successes, where he leveraged his wartime experiences to build an industrial empire that profoundly shaped the American landscape.

The Keystone Bridge Company

Andrew Carnegie’s strategic investments and forward-thinking vision significantly shaped the American steel industry during and after the Civil War. His involvement began as early as 1864, when he invested in the Columbia Oil Company, which quickly yielded substantial dividends and demonstrated the lucrative potential of the petroleum industry. However, Carnegie’s true impact was felt in the iron and steel industries, where he capitalized on the soaring demand for industrial products, such as gunboat armor, cannons, and shells. Fueled by these demands, Pittsburgh became a wartime production hub, setting the stage for Carnegie’s future endeavors.

After the war, Carnegie shifted his focus from railroads to ironworks, establishing the Keystone Bridge Works and Union Ironworks in Pittsburgh. Leveraging his connections with Thomas A. Scott and J. Edgar Thomson from his railroad days, he secured substantial contracts for his companies. His business acumen extended beyond simple transactions; he strategically gave stock in his businesses to Scott and Thomson, ensuring a steady demand from the Pennsylvania Railroad, which became his most significant customer.

The landmark Eads Bridge project over the Mississippi River, completed in 1874, was a major undertaking that utilized Carnegie’s steel. This project not only proved the viability of steel technology but also opened new markets for his burgeoning empire. Carnegie’s involvement in this project underscored his growing influence in the industrial sector and his commitment to advancing structural engineering innovations.

Despite his industrial success, Carnegie envisioned a life transcending the mere accumulation of wealth. Around 1878, he wanted to cap his annual income at $50,000, using any surplus for benevolent purposes. His aspirations included settling in Oxford to immerse himself in education and literature, engaging with intellectuals, and later managing a newspaper or review in London to influence public matters, particularly education and social improvement.

Carnegie’s plans reflected his broader philosophical outlook on wealth and its purpose. He believed that amassing wealth was a form of idolatry and that his true calling was to use his resources to improve society. His determination to avoid being overwhelmed by business and devote himself to personal and societal elevation showcased his multifaceted personality and enduring legacy as a philanthropist.

Andrew Carnegie’s story is not just about building a steel empire but also about envisioning a world where wealth serves the greater good. His journey from a businessman to a benefactor highlights a transformative period in American industry and philanthropy, marking him as one of the most influential figures in shaping modern America.

Revolutionizing the Steel Industry

1875–1900: Steel Production

Andrew Carnegie, an eminent figure in American history, revolutionized the steel industry between 1875 and 1900. He established a vast empire that was once the most extensive integrated iron and steel operations owned by an individual in the United States. His strategic business practices not only transformed steel production but also profoundly impacted industrial America.

By 1889, the United States surpassed the United Kingdom in steel production, with Carnegie at the forefront of this industry. His empire expanded to include key facilities like the J. Edgar Thomson Steel Works, the Pittsburgh Bessemer Steel Works, and the Frick Coke Company. In 1892, Carnegie further solidified his hold on the industry by merging his assets with his associates to form the Carnegie Steel Company.

Carnegie’s success was further bolstered by his close ties with the railroad industry, a major consumer of steel. These relationships allowed him to negotiate prices strategically, sidestepping the typical market competition. Additionally, Carnegie benefitted significantly from favorable U.S. trade tariffs, actively lobbying Congress to maintain these benefits, which significantly padded his profits.

While Carnegie is celebrated for his innovations and business acumen, his career was not without controversy. Documents released in 1900 during legal proceedings with Henry Clay Frick, the former chairman of Carnegie Steel, shed light on how deeply entwined Carnegie’s operations were with political lobbying to sustain his business empire’s profits. Despite these controversies, Carnegie’s impact on the American steel industry remains unparalleled, marking him as one of the pivotal builders of industrial America.

1901: The Formation of U.S. Steel

In 1901, at the age of 65, Andrew Carnegie, a titan of the steel industry, was contemplating retirement. He began restructuring his numerous business ventures into traditional joint stock corporations, preparing for a significant shift in his career as part of his exit strategy.

John Pierpont Morgan, a prominent banker and America’s leading financial dealmaker, noted Carnegie’s efficient profit generation. Morgan was driven by a vision to create a more integrated steel industry to reduce costs, lower consumer prices, increase production, and raise worker wages. Morgan planned to consolidate Carnegie’s operations with other major producers to achieve this. His strategy aimed to eliminate redundant processes and waste, creating greater industry efficiency.

The negotiations, led by Charles M. Schwab (not to be confused with Charles R. Schwab), culminated on March 2, 1901, with the historic formation of the United States Steel Corporation. This conglomerate became the world’s first company to achieve a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion, marking a monumental milestone in corporate history.

Do not look for approval except for the consciousness of doing your best. – Andrew Carnegie Click To Tweet

The deal to buy out Carnegie’s steel businesses became the largest industrial buyout in United States history. The final agreement handed Carnegie $303,450,000 for his enterprises. His personal gain from the deal was an astounding $225.64 million, equivalent to approximately $8.26 billion in today’s dollars. This amount was paid in 5%, 50-year gold bonds.

On February 26, 1901, a formal agreement was signed, and just a few days later, on March 2, the United States Steel Corporation was established with a starting capitalization of $1.4 billion, which was 4% of the U.S. gross domestic product at that time. The bonds were secured and stored in a specially constructed vault at the Hudson Trust Company in Hoboken, New Jersey, under the care of Robert A. Franks, Carnegie’s business secretary.

From Steel to Scholarship

1880-1900: Shaping Industry and Society

Between 1880 and 1900, Andrew Carnegie continued to expand his industrial empire and engaged deeply with his time’s intellectual and cultural currents. His interactions with key literary and philosophical figures, alongside his significant philanthropic endeavors, painted a portrait of a man who was much more than just a steel tycoon.

Carnegie befriended several prominent figures, including English poet Matthew Arnold, philosopher Herbert Spencer, and American humorist Mark Twain. His broad network also included U.S. Presidents, statesmen, and notable writers, reflecting his influence and interests beyond the industrial world. This period was marked by significant intellectual exchange and correspondence that enriched Carnegie’s worldview and influenced his later philanthropic strategies.

In 1879, Carnegie funded the construction of public swimming baths for the residents of his hometown, Dunfermline, Scotland. A year later, he provided £8,000 to establish the Dunfermline Carnegie Library, marking the beginning of his extensive support for educational institutions. In 1884, he donated $50,000 to the Bellevue Hospital Medical College to establish a histological laboratory, later named the Carnegie Laboratory, emphasizing his commitment to medical research and education.

Carnegie’s travels and writings during this time also showcased his advocacy for political reform and his critique of monarchical systems. His 1881 tour of the United Kingdom included a poignant visit to Dunfermline, where his mother laid the foundation stone for a Carnegie Library. Despite his criticism of the British social structure, Carnegie aimed to foster closer ties between English-speaking peoples, even purchasing British newspapers to advocate for establishing a “British Republic.”

In addition to his philanthropy, Carnegie was a prolific writer. His 1886 book, Triumphant Democracy, argued the superiority of the American system over the British monarchy and was both celebrated and controversial, particularly in the UK. Carnegie continued to contribute to notable periodicals like The Nineteenth Century and North American Review. His influential essay, “Wealth,” later known as The Gospel of Wealth, was first published in 1889 and outlined his philosophy that the rich are trustees of their wealth and should live a life dedicated to philanthropy.

Despite his successes, Carnegie faced personal tragedies during this period, such as the death of his younger brother, Thomas, in 1886. Nonetheless, he remained a dominant force in both industry and intellectual circles, using his vast resources to influence public opinion and support benevolent causes. Andrew Carnegie’s life during these two decades highlighted his dual role as an industrial giant and a thoughtful benefactor whose legacy would be defined by his business acumen and commitment to improving society.

Carnegie’s Stand Against Imperialism

In the wake of the Spanish-American War, the United States was on the brink of expanding its territories to include Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Andrew Carnegie, a steadfast opponent of colonialism, was particularly vocal against the annexation of the Philippines. His opposition was so strong that he nearly supported William Jennings Bryan against President McKinley in the 1900 presidential election.

In 1898, as the Spanish-American War drew close and the United States negotiated to purchase the Philippines from Spain for $20 million, Carnegie made a striking counteroffer. He proposed donating $20 million to the Philippines to fund their independence from American rule. Despite his significant offer, this gesture did not lead to the intended outcome, as the United States proceeded with the annexation.

Dismayed by the direction of U.S. foreign policy, Carnegie joined the American Anti-Imperialist League in 1898. The league was a prominent platform for Americans who believed in self-determination rather than empire-building. Its distinguished members included former U.S. Presidents Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison and celebrated author Mark Twain. Together, they opposed the annexation of the Philippines, advocating instead for recognizing Filipino rights to self-governance.

Philanthropy

From 1901 until he died in 1919, Andrew Carnegie fully embraced his role as a philanthropist, shifting public focus from his business successes to his generous humanitarian efforts. After amassing a vast fortune, Carnegie turned his attention and resources towards numerous philanthropic endeavors, guided by his belief in the social responsibilities of the wealthy as outlined in his earlier works, Triumphant Democracy (1886) and Gospel of Wealth (1889).

Carnegie was particularly passionate about educational advancement and social reform. He funded the Simplified Spelling Board with an annual contribution of $25,000, supporting an initiative to streamline English spelling. The board produced the Handbook of Simplified Spelling, entirely written in the reformed spelling it advocated.

3,000 Public Libraries

Among Carnegie’s most enduring contributions was the establishment of over 3,000 public libraries across the United States, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and other English-speaking nations. Inspired by philanthropist Enoch Pratt and the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Carnegie saw public libraries as vital institutions that could enhance community life and provide universal education.

By 1908, Carnegie had delegated the management of his library projects to his staff, including James Bertram, ensuring the continuation and expansion of his vision. Carnegie’s model for library philanthropy required that the local community demonstrate its commitment by providing the land and operational funding, thereby ensuring local engagement and sustainability.

Carnegie’s philanthropic reach was global. In addition to libraries, he made significant donations to the arts and education, including sizable gifts for public libraries and educational institutions in Pittsburgh, Allegheny City, and Edinburgh. He contributed £50,000 to help establish the University of Birmingham in 1899. His contributions span continents, with libraries and educational initiatives funded in countries such as Canada, Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Serbia, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies, and Fiji.

You cannot push any one up a ladder unless he be willing to climb a little himself. – Andrew Carnegie Click To Tweet

Carnegie also played a pivotal role in evolving the concept and design of public libraries. During his time, there was a growing consensus that public libraries should be freely accessible, but how they should be designed was widely debated. Carnegie advocated for designs that enhanced administrative efficiency and promoted civic pride, thereby aligning architectural expression with philanthropic purpose.

From 1901 to 1919, Andrew Carnegie devoted his final years to philanthropy, profoundly impacting education, science, music, and peace efforts worldwide. Already known for his immense wealth, Carnegie shifted focus to distributing his fortune through various benevolent initiatives, illustrating his deep commitment to social and educational advancement.

Carnegie’s dedication to education manifested profoundly in 1900 with a $2 million donation that established the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, which later merged with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to become Carnegie Mellon University. His investment in education extended to the creation of the Carnegie Institution in Washington, D.C., in 1902, aimed at fostering research and discovery and contributing significantly to scientific advancement.

Continued Philanthropic Efforts

Supporting Global Education and Research

In 1901, Carnegie endowed the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland with $10 million, a groundbreaking sum at the time, especially compared to the government’s modest annual support of £50,000 to Scottish universities. This trust aimed to enhance scientific research and make higher education accessible to deserving Scottish youth. His commitment to Scotland was further demonstrated by his transformation of Pittencrieff Park into a public space and the establishment of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust to benefit his hometown.

Patron of the Arts and Humanities

Carnegie’s love for music and the arts was evident in his substantial support for the National Conservatory of Music of America and the construction of Carnegie Hall in New York City. This premier music venue opened in 1891. His philanthropy included funding the installation of 7,000 pipe organs across various denominations, illustrating his nonsectarian approach to supporting music.

Champion of Peace and Heroism

Carnegie’s pursuit of world peace led to the founding of the Peace Palace in The Hague in 1903, which he supported with a $1.5 million donation. His commitment to civil heroism was marked by the creation of the Carnegie Hero Fund in 1904 to recognize extraordinary heroism in the United States, Canada, and eventually across Europe.

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Establishing the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 1911, he ensured the continuation of his philanthropic endeavors beyond his lifetime. This organization aimed to “promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding,” encapsulating his life’s mission to enhance global welfare.

Death

Andrew Carnegie, the renowned industrialist and philanthropist, passed away on August 11, 1919, at his Shadow Brook estate in Lenox, Massachusetts. The cause of death was bronchial pneumonia. By his death, Carnegie had already distributed a staggering $350,695,653 of his fortune, roughly equivalent to $5.98 billion today. His philanthropic efforts did not cease with his passing; the remaining $30 million of his estate was bequeathed to various foundations, charities, and pensioners, ensuring his legacy of generosity continued.

Carnegie’s final resting place is in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, New York, located in a plot known as Arcadia Hebron at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Dingle Road. Notably, he was laid to rest not far from Samuel Gompers, a prominent labor union leader and contemporary in the Gilded Age. This proximity underscores Carnegie’s complex relationship with industrial labor, marked by both conflict and significant contributions to workers’ welfare.

Controversy

The Johnstown Flood of 1889

Andrew Carnegie, a titan of industry and a prominent philanthropist, found his reputation clouded by the devastating Johnstown Flood of 1889, which claimed the lives of 2,209 people. Carnegie was a member of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. This exclusive group included some of Western Pennsylvania’s most influential businessmen, such as Henry Clay Frick, Andrew Mellon, and attorneys Philander Knox and James Hay Reed. This club has long been scrutinized for its role in the disaster.

The club was established near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, around a reservoir held by the South Fork Dam, originally built between 1838 and 1853 for a canal system. With the rise of rail transport, the dam and lake were deemed obsolete and eventually sold off, passing through the hands of the Pennsylvania Railroad before being acquired by the club in 1881. The members, including Carnegie, made the area into a private retreat with cottages and a clubhouse, raising the reservoir’s water level and modifying the dam.

The modifications included poorly engineered repairs and the removal of crucial discharge pipes that had allowed controlled water release. Between 1881 and 1889, the dam was notorious for leaks, patched up often with only mud and straw. A reduction in its height and a combination of heavy snowmelt and spring rains further compromised the dam’s structural integrity, leading to its catastrophic failure on May 31, 1889.

In the immediate aftermath, while the club’s role in the tragedy was a subject of heated discussion, Carnegie and his fellow club members formed the Pittsburgh Relief Committee, focusing on assisting flood victims and managing the public relations fallout. Legal defenses orchestrated by Knox and Reed successfully shielded the club and its members from liability in the ensuing lawsuits.

The disaster left a mark on Carnegie’s legacy despite escaping legal blame. In a gesture of atonement, he later funded the construction of a new library in Johnstown to replace the one destroyed in the flood. The building now houses the Flood Museum and stands as a reminder of the tragedy and Carnegie’s complicated legacy in the area.

The Homestead Strike of 1892

In 1892, the Homestead Strike marked one of U.S. history’s most violent labor disputes. It lasted 143 days and deeply embedded itself in the annals of American industrial conflict, centering around Carnegie Steel’s main facility in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

As the steel industry thrived with high market prices, the union representing workers, the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, engaged in negotiations for better wages in February of that year. The union, which represented about 800 of the 3,800 workers at the plant, sought a wage increase. However, Henry Clay Frick, Carnegie’s associate, and a known anti-union industrialist, managed the negotiations in Carnegie’s absence and proposed a drastic 22% wage cut for nearly half of the union members, exacerbating tensions.

Andrew Carnegie had departed for Scotland before tensions escalated into violence, leaving Frick to handle the situation. This decision would later be scrutinized, as Frick’s hardline approach led to a breakdown in negotiations. By the end of June, with no agreement in sight, Frick locked out the union workers, effectively initiating a standoff that the workers termed a “lockout” rather than a strike, emphasizing that the action was forced by management, not triggered by workers.

The situation escalated on July 6, when Frick brought in 300 Pinkerton agents to secure the plant and confront the strikers. The ensuing violence resulted in the deaths of ten men—seven strikers and three Pinkertons—and injuries to hundreds more. The severity of the clash prompted Pennsylvania Governor Robert Pattison to send two brigades of state militia to the site. Amid this turmoil, anarchist Alexander Berkman attempted to assassinate Frick, an act he claimed would highlight Carnegie’s ultimate responsibility for the conditions at Homestead.

The strike ended with the company resuming operations using non-union labor, significantly impacting the labor movement. Although not directly involved in the day-to-day management during the strike, Carnegie’s reputation suffered irreparable damage due to his association with the decisions made by Frick and the violent outcomes of the conflict. His return to the United States was met with criticism, as many felt his indirect involvement and prior decisions had contributed to the severity of the conflict.

A Complex Relationship with Theodore Roosevelt

During the late 1890s and early 1900s, the relationship between Andrew Carnegie and President Theodore Roosevelt was a focal point in American history, reflecting a blend of mutual respect and underlying tension. As a committed pacifist, Carnegie was increasingly active in his opposition to war and imperialism, especially after the United States’ involvement in the Spanish-American War in 1898 and its subsequent annexation of the Philippines.

Carnegie, hoping to leverage his considerable influence, often communicated with Roosevelt, who became president in 1901. Their correspondence and meetings, facilitated by mutual connections like Secretary of State John Hay, were centered on major geopolitical issues of the time. Carnegie admired Roosevelt’s diplomatic efforts, particularly his role in arbitrating European disputes and mediating the end of the Russo-Japanese War in 1907-1908. Despite these commendations, Carnegie was fundamentally at odds with Roosevelt’s imperialistic tendencies and belief in the virtues of war, which starkly contrasted with Carnegie’s vision for global peace.

In 1909, Roosevelt relied on Carnegie to finance his significant expedition to Africa, highlighting their ongoing interactions and Carnegie’s willingness to support Roosevelt’s endeavors beyond their political disagreements. In return, Carnegie sought Roosevelt’s mediation in the growing tensions between Britain and Germany, efforts which were ultimately thwarted by the sudden death of King Edward VII.

Despite their public collaboration, Roosevelt harbored private reservations about Carnegie, which were starkly revealed in a letter to Whitelaw Reid in 1905. Roosevelt expressed difficulty in appreciating Carnegie, critiquing him for his hypocritical stance on war and business ethics. He criticized Carnegie’s denunciation of war, attributing it to a lack of physical courage and twisted ideals. He argued that the suffering caused by Carnegie’s industrial activities could rival the consequences of war. This private correspondence highlights Roosevelt’s complex views towards Carnegie, mixing professional respect with personal disdain.

The interactions between Andrew Carnegie and Theodore Roosevelt encapsulate a significant chapter in early 20th-century American history, marked by the intersection of industry, politics, and international diplomacy. While they shared moments of agreement and mutual support, their fundamentally different beliefs about power and peace maintained a tension that colored both their relationship and historical legacies.

Personal Life

Family

Carnegie’s personal life took a back seat to his professional endeavors and care for his mother until she died in 1886. Only after she passed did Carnegie, at the age of 51, feel free to pursue his marital happiness. He married Louise Whitfield in 1887, who was 21 years his junior. The couple welcomed their only child, Margaret, a decade later in 1897. They named her after Carnegie’s beloved mother, reflecting his deep familial ties and the continuation of his family legacy.

Residences

Carnegie’s choice of residence reflected his stature and taste. One of his notable homes was the Andrew Carnegie Mansion in Manhattan, New York, located at 2 East 91st Street at Fifth Avenue. This majestic building, completed in late 1902, served as Carnegie’s primary residence until he died in 1919. The mansion, a blend of luxury and comfort, was not just a home but a statement of his success and influence.

Additionally, Carnegie owned Skibo Castle in Scotland, embodying his connection to his Scottish roots and his love for the grandeur of historical architecture. Skibo Castle served as a partial home for Carnegie, bridging his life between the United States and the United Kingdom.

There is little success where there is little laughter. – Andrew Carnegie Click To Tweet

Following his death, Carnegie’s wife Louise continued to reside in their New York mansion until her death in 1946. The mansion has since become an integral part of cultural heritage, now housing the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, which has been part of the Smithsonian Institution since 1976. The area around the mansion in Manhattan’s Upper East Side is aptly named Carnegie Hill, and the mansion was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966, cementing its status as a historical and cultural icon.

Religious Views

Andrew Carnegie had a complex relationship with religion. Born into a family affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in the United States, Carnegie grew up skeptical of Calvinism and organized religion, influenced by his family’s moderate beliefs and vigorous theological debates. His father eventually distanced himself from the church, maintaining his religious beliefs privately after a disagreement over doctrine.

Throughout his life in 19th-century Scotland and later America, Carnegie maintained a distance from traditional religious practices, preferring a worldview shaped by naturalism and science. He was particularly moved by the theory of evolution, which he felt offered a clearer truth than theological explanations.

However, as he aged, Carnegie’s views softened. He became involved with the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church under the guidance of Henry Sloane Coffin, a proponent of the Social Gospel. He also explored broader spiritual concepts, drafting an address professing belief in “Infinite and Eternal Energy.” He corresponded with Abdu’l-Bahá of the Bahá’í Faith, emphasizing his growing interest in global peace and unity.

Carnegie’s spiritual journey from skepticism to a more inclusive and philosophical spirituality paralleled his transformation from a business magnate to a global philanthropist, reflecting a deepening of his personal and ethical worldview. This evolution underscores Carnegie’s legacy as a thinker who continually sought to understand the deeper truths of the human condition and the universe.

Pursuit of World Peace

Andrew Carnegie spent his later years championing world peace, inspired by figures like John Bright. His philosophy, encapsulated in the motto “All is well since all grows better,” guided his optimistic approach to global affairs. Even as he faced conflicts between his ideals and business practices, notably during his steel works’ involvement in U.S. naval expansion in the late 19th century, Carnegie remained optimistic about global affairs.

Carnegie’s legacy in peace advocacy is marked by his founding of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 1910, with a $10 million endowment. Despite his initial optimism, exemplified by his speech at the 1913 Peace Palace dedication in The Hague, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 profoundly challenged his views. In response, he established the Church Peace Union, now known as the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, aiming to leverage moral and ethical leadership to end the war.

Opposed to American imperialistic expansions, such as the annexation of the Philippines, Carnegie was a significant voice in the American Anti-Imperialist League. His efforts post-1901 focused on promoting international law and arbitration through the Carnegie Endowment, with a vision that indirectly contributed to the later creation of the League of Nations. Carnegie’s enduring hope was for a merged Anglo-American superpower to lead global disarmament and ensure lasting peace.

Legacy and Honours

Andrew Carnegie’s legacy is marked by numerous honors and recognitions from around the world, reflecting his profound impact across various sectors:

1. Honorary Degrees and Civic Honors:
   • Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from the University of Aberdeen, 1906.
   • Freedom of the City of Belfast, 1910.
   • Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the French government, 1910.
   • Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, August 25, 1913.
   • Honorary doctorate from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, July 1, 1914.
   • Freedom of the Burgh of Kilmarnock in Scotland, 1903.
2. Scientific and Cultural Tributes:
   • The dinosaur Diplodocus carnegiei (commonly known as “Dippy”) named after him, housed at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh.
   • The Saguaro cactus’s scientific name, Carnegiea gigantea, named in his honor.
   • The Carnegie Medal for the best children’s literature published in the UK.
   • Concert halls in Dunfermline and New York named after him.
3. Educational Institutions:
   • Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, originally founded as the Carnegie Technical Schools.
   • The Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education at Leeds Beckett University, UK.
   • Carnegie College, formerly Lauder College, in Dunfermline, renamed in 2007.
   • Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston, Texas.
4. Places Named After Carnegie:
   • Towns named Carnegie in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma.
   • A street in Belgrade, Serbia, near the Belgrade University Library, which is one of the many Carnegie libraries.
5. Philanthropic Efforts:
   • Offered to donate $20 million to the Philippines for their independence following the Spanish-American War.

Books

Here’s a list of books written by Andrew Carnegie:

1. Our Coaching Trip, Brighton to Inverness (1882)
2. An American Four-in-hand in Britain (1883)
3. Round the World (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1884)
4. An American Four-in-Hand in Britain (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1886)
5. Triumphant Democracy, or, Fifty Years’ March of the Republic (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1886)
6. The Gospel of Wealth (1889)
7. The Gospel of Wealth and Other Timely Essays (New York: The Century Co., 1901)
8. The Empire of Business (1902)
9. The Secret of Business is the Management of Men (1903)
10. James Watt (Famous Scots Series, New York: Doubleday, Page and Co., 1905)
11. Problems of Today: Wealth–Labor–Socialism (New York: Doubleday, Page and Co., 1907)
12. Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie (posthumous, Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1920)

Andrew Carnegie’s Timeline

• 1835: Born on November 25 in Dunfermline, Scotland.
• 1848: Immigrates with his family to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, at the age of 13.
• 1850: Begins working as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory.
• 1853: Becomes a telegraph operator at the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
• 1865: Invests in the Keystone Bridge Company, marking the beginning of his involvement in the steel industry.
• 1873: Opens his first steel plant, the Edgar Thomson Steel Works, in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
• 1886: After the death of his mother, marries Louise Whitfield.
• 1889: Establishes the Carnegie Steel Company, which eventually dominates the American steel industry.
• 1892: The Homestead Strike, a major labor conflict at one of his steel mills.
• 1901: Sells Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan for $303 million, creating U.S. Steel and marking his retirement from business.
• 1901: Establishes the Carnegie Institute in Washington, D.C.
• 1902: Begins major philanthropic efforts, including founding the Carnegie Institution for Science and funding libraries and educational institutions worldwide.
• 1910: Founds the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
• 1911: Establishes the Carnegie Corporation of New York to manage his philanthropic endeavors.
• 1919: Dies on August 11 in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Final Reflections

Andrew Carnegie’s biography culminates in a legacy of profound philanthropy and enduring influence, making his life a success story that continues to inspire. By the time of his death on August 11, 1919, Carnegie had not only revolutionized the steel industry but also dedicated the majority of his fortune to causes that supported education, science, and peace, profoundly shaping the cultural and educational landscapes of the United States and beyond. His life serves as a powerful reminder of how individual determination and generosity can leave a lasting impact on the world.

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