Andrew Carnegie
- Born:
- November 25, 1835, Dunfermline, Scotland
- Died:
- August 11, 1919, Lenox, Massachusetts, USA
- Nationality:
- Scottish-American
- Profession(s):
- Industrialist, Businessman, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Emigrated to the United States with his family in 1848.
- Began working at a young age to support his family.
- Largely self-educated through reading and observation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Started as a bobbin boy in a cotton mill.
- Progressed through various roles, including telegraph messenger and railroad superintendent.
- Invested in businesses, including iron and steel companies.
- Founded Carnegie Steel Company, which dominated the American steel industry.
- Pioneered the use of vertical integration in business.
- Sold Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan in 1901, forming U.S. Steel.
Legacy and Impact
Andrew Carnegie left a lasting legacy through his contributions to the steel industry and his extensive philanthropic endeavors. He believed in giving back to society and dedicated much of his wealth to establishing libraries, supporting education, and promoting peace.
Notable Works
- Carnegie Libraries: Funded the construction of over 2,500 libraries worldwide.
- Carnegie Corporation of New York: A philanthropic foundation established in 1911.
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Established in 1910 to promote international cooperation.
- Carnegie Mellon University: Founded in 1900 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Philanthropic Contributions
Andrew Carnegie's philosophy of wealth distribution is well documented. An integral part of any discussion involving "andrew carnegie biography kids" and indeed, anyone studying his life, includes his notable contributions to philanthropic endeavors. He strongly believed that the wealthy had a moral obligation to redistribute their wealth for the benefit of society.