The Railway Army Marshall Kirkman Summary

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The inequalities in America during the gilded age came from an unequal distribution of wealth, leaving only a small percentage of individuals with riches while the rest suffered in poverty even with constant overproduction of everyday necessities. People argued that social darwinism would chose who was meant to be rich and the survival of the fittest would deem who was better than the rest. From 1870-1895, journalists and critics dismantled the inequality during the period and some offer their own solutions. In “The Railway Army”, Marshall Kirkman states that everyone in the service of railroads enters on an equal platform, but only the capable forge to the front. Natural selection chooses who operates the railroad system, those who are more faithful and energetic tend to succeed in this network and require less assistance begin to gravitate towards the leading positions. Kirkman reasons that natural selection will assign individuals into their appropriate atmosphere of work. Kirkman explains that intelligence and faithfulness are the qualities that lead to promotion, and that it should be in …show more content…

Carnegie understands the flaws with the law of competition, stating that their is often friction between the rich and the poor. He acknowledges that the law may be hard for individuals, but in the long run it will benefit the race. He continues that the competition of industrial and commercial are more than beneficial but will allow progress of society. He suggests that the wealthy can use their wisdom and experience and help set an example for those without guidance. Carnegie endorses the wealthy allow their surplus of wealth to be given to improve their community. He states that the riches passing through the hands of a few can be more beneficial than if the wealth distributed and was given directly to the

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