Andrew Carnegie Contributions

Andrew Carnegie was one of the richest men in the world. He spent the first several decades of his life dedicated to expanding business and increasing steel production in the United States. He spent the latter part of his life dedicated to his philanthropic endeavors. Carnegie donated money to many organizations and funded the construction of several colleges, libraries, and other public institutions. Andrew Carnegie is a man who started life in less than modest circumstances, but arose to be one of the wealthiest men alive, then continued on doing extensive philanthropic work. Even going as far as giving most of his amassed wealth away, and donating millions of dollars to the possibility of world peace. Andrew Carnegie changed United States

He and his family lived in Allegheny, Pennsylvania where young Andrew worked in a factory earning slightly less than $1.25 a week. He worked there until he gained the opportunity to be a telegraph messenger. After working there for close to two years he joined the Pennsylvania railroad as an assistant and telegrapher to Thomas Scott, a top official in the railroad. During this time Carnegie studied under Thomas Scott, learning business and industry. Three years later he was promoted to superintendent. While working as superintendent he invested his money into different stocks and companies, the most substantial investment being in oil. He invested his money into the United States economy and created a steel company in order to better construction and enhance life in the United States.(“Andrew Carnegie” np) After Carnegie sold his steel factory in 1901, he dedicated his life and wealth to giving back to the community and economy. He earned $480 million by selling his company, and he donated most of it until his death. He vigorously donated millions to the creation of libraries and educational institutes around the world. “One of the most tangible examples of Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy was the founding of 2,509 libraries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of these libraries 1,679 were built in the United States”(“Andrew Carnegie”

He did both of these things in order to better efforts towards world peace and provide a greater chance at safety for people of the United States and other great countries. He was not able to overcome the huge obstacle that was the First World War, and he regretted this deeply until his death. Although, he did better efforts against War in the later years, thus continuing his dreams of peace well after his death.(“Andrew Carnegie” np) Carnegie had decided to give away his wealth since well before the end of his life. When he and his wife were married he had her sign a prenuptial agreement to where she agreed to him giving away virtually all of his amassed wealth. Over Carnegie’s lifetime he gave away over $350 million to various charities and institutions. He did all of this out of his own free will and hope that some children may learn just as he did. Andrew Carnegie was a true philanthropist, his ideals were