Who Are The Five Capitalists Increase Social Inequality?
analytical Essay
597 words
During the Industrial Revolution, the five ruthless, innovative capitalists Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford contributed greatly to the growth of wealth and power in the United States (Schoenthaler, 2018a). However, as a consequence of ruthlessly generating immense wealth, the United States became “the most economically stratified nation on earth” (Schoenthaler, 2018a). Although the five capitalists transformed the United States into a wealthy superpower, they also increased social inequality by taking advantage of workers. By utilizing the plentiful natural resources of the United States, the innovations and production of the capitalists’ companies generated immense wealth and power …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the five ruthless, innovative capitalists andrew carnegie, cornelius vanderbilt, john d. rockefeller, j.p. morgan, and henry ford contributed greatly to the growth of wealth and power in the united states.
- Explains how capitalists' innovations and production generated immense wealth and power for the united states. vanderbilt sold his steamboats to buy up railroads, which generated additional growth to the economy.
- Analyzes how the powerful capitalists took advantage of their workers and contributed to the increase of social inequality.
- Analyzes how the five capitalists carnegie, vanderbilt, rockefeller, morgan, and ford negatively and positively impacted the united states and americans.
Under the employment of the powerful capitalists, the workers had long hours and low wages (Schoenthaler, 2018b). Additionally, they worked in poor working conditions and performed mind-numbing work on assembly lines (Schoenthaler, 2018b). These conditions provoked the first of many worker strikes. For instance, one of the first was the Homestead strike against the Carnegie Steel Company (History.com Staff, 2009). When Andrew Carnegie placed Henry Frick, an unethical man, in charge, the workers endured long hours, low wages, and strenuous work (Schoenthaler, 2018b). As a result, the workers went on strike and demanded shorter hours and higher wages (Schoenthaler, 2018b). In response, Henry Frick hired the Pinkerton guards to forcibly remove the workers from the factory (History.com Staff, 2009). Consequently, the battle between the guards and workers resulted in death and injuries on both sides (History.com Staff, 2009). Eventually, the Carnegie Steel Company managed to run the factory again with strikebreakers (History.com Staff, 2009). As a result of these conditions, the capitalists increased the social inequality gap between those of great wealth and of extreme poverty (Schoenthaler,
Related
- argumentative
- analytical
- opinionated
- explanatory
- 19th Century's Industrialists: Robber Barons or Industrial Statesmen?argumentative essayIndustrial development of the late 18th century (around 1865-1900) is often characterized by it’s affluent, aggressive and monopolistic industrial leaders of the likes of men such as Andrew Carnegie, William H. Vanderbilt, and John D. Rockefeller. Due to their ruthless strategies, utilization of trusts, and exploitation of cheap labor in order to garner nearly unbreakable monopolies and massive sums of wealth, these men are often labelled as “robber barons”. At the same time, they are also often referred to as “industrial statements” for their organization, and catalyst of, industrial development; not to forget their generous contributions to the betterment of American society. Therefore, whether or not their aforementioned advances in industry were undertaken for their own personal benefits, one cannot ignore their positive effects on America. Thus, one can conclude that not only were the captains of industry both “robber barons” and “industrial statements”, but that that these two labels, in fact, go hand-in-hand.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that industrial development of the late 18th century is often characterized by its affluent, aggressive and monopolistic industrial leaders like andrew carnegie, william h. vanderbilt, and john d.
- Explains that it is accurate to allot the title of "robber baron" to the industrial leaders of the time in that they employed various, considerably unethical methods in order to obtain untold riches.
- Analyzes how edison helped to better american industry by establishing a model for all future laboratories, and demonstrated the positive effect of 18th century industrial leaders.
- Concludes that the two terms, "robber barons" and "industrial statesmen" go hand-in-hand. carnegie believed that his efforts, and mass accumulation of wealth, were beneficial to society.
- Concludes that the industrial leaders of the late 1800's, such as rockefeller, carnegie and vanderbilt, were both "robber barons" and "industrial statesmen".
1060 wordsRead More - Out Of This Furnance by Thomas Bellanalytical essayIn the late nineteenth century, many European immigrants traveled to the United States in search of a better life and good fortune. The unskilled industries of the Eastern United States eagerly employed these men who were willing to work long hours for low wages just to earn their food and board. Among the most heavily recruiting industries were the railroads and the steel mills of Western Pennsylvania. Particularly in the steel mills, the working conditions for these immigrants were very dangerous. Many men lost their lives to these giant steel-making machines. The immigrants suffered the most and also worked the most hours for the least amount of money. Living conditions were also poor, and often these immigrants would barely have enough money and time to do anything but work, eat, and sleep. There was also a continuous struggle between the workers and the owners of the mills, the capitalists. The capitalists were a very small, elite group of rich men who held most of the wealth in their industries. Strikes broke out often, some ending in violence and death. Many workers had no political freedom or even a voice in the company that employed them. However, through all of these hardships, the immigrants continued their struggle for a better life.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how thomas bell's novel, out of this furnace, reflects the hardships faced by his family during the time when the mills ruled the area.
- Explains that european immigrants traveled to the united states in the late nineteenth century in search of a better life and good fortune.
- Analyzes the struggle represented in thomas bell's book, out of this furnace.
- Analyzes how bell's viewpoints contradict those depicted by congressman abram s. hewitt and reverend richard storrs at the opening of the brooklyn bridge.
- Analyzes bell's refutation of the lack of a republican form of government for all people.
1832 wordsRead More - Captains Of Industry Dbqopinionated essayThroughout history, historians have many times characterized the capitalists who constructed post-Civil War industrial America as either admirable “captains of industry” or wasted “robber barons.” Both of the preceding terms had been used equitably during America’s industrial movements in the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Nonetheless, the term that is most proper for characterizing these capitalists is “captains of industry”, because although some of them may have gained their wealth and power through ruthless means and also at the expenditure of the poorer, working class of people, they have bettered the life of the American people, more so than is compassed in other countries around the world.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that historians have often characterized the capitalists who constructed post-civil war industrial america as admirable "captains of industry" or wasted "robber barons."
- Explains that the capitalists of this period were justly considered captains, because of the many job opportunities they had created.
- Argues that the capitalists profited more than their workers, and the picture of the children entering the coal mines shows the agony felt by the viewer during this period.
- Opines that henry george's observation in progress and poverty is not a condemnation if one believes, that everyone was better off than they were before.
- Opines that the benefactors of these capitalists certainly accredited their title as industry captains. the trustees could be criticized for questionable business practices, but the fortunes assembled through their businesses were used for good.
- Explains that industrialists deserving of the title of "captain of industry" gained their wealth by ruthless means, but low wages allowed for inexpensive goods to be sold, which benefited all consumers and philanthropic projects.
869 wordsRead More - More often than not, America’s antebellum capitalists are accused of being the “robber barons” of industrial America. The misconception is that these men took advantage of a naïve and growing economy and reaped its benefits without giving anything in return. True, the majority of America was poor in comparison to the few elites, but the philanthropist efforts and contributions of these men can not be denied. If not for these men and their efforts, there would have been no one to pave the road to America’s industrial domination.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that america's antebellum capitalists are accused of being the "robber barons" of industrial america. the misconception is that these men took advantage of a nave and growing economy and reaped its benefits without giving anything in return.
- Explains that successful capitalists of the late 1800s were referred to as "robber barons" because of their belief that they were responsible for the farmers' grievances.
- Argues that if more money had been spent on salaries and beautification of the working environment, manufacturers would have had no wealth to redistribute to philanthropist purposes.
- Argues that capitalists' wealth widened the gap between the rich and poor, but the argument that they were more like the leaders of a growing industry is even more valid.
496 wordsRead More - Industrial Revolution Dbqexplanatory essayDuring the Industrial Revolution capitalism was introduced into America. Capitalism is when trade and industry are controlled by private owners, instead of being owned by the state. This allowed for industrialists and entrepreneurs to become wealthy. Workers no longer had to take responsibility for the business. They were paid hourly for the work they did that day, week, month, etc. The more products the consumers bought the more wealthy the industrialist became.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the first change made during the industrial revolution was the transition from farm to city. before 1820 most people lived on farms and did agriculture work.
- States that the industrial revolution witnessed the evolution of large urban centers, such as boston and new york city, and spurred a massive internal migration of workers.
- Explains that the industrial revolution completely transformed the culture of americans and their way of life. it made the base for the creation of big cities.
- Explains that the industrial revolution removed the necessity of apprenticeship for craftsmen and commoditized labor itself.
- Explains that the new factories created many jobs for people because they did not require a certain skill set. many families that moved from farm to city needed work so they found jobs in the factories.
- Explains that the migration from farm to city increased wealth and production for buisneses. the more people that moved to the city found simple and easy jobs in facotires, that required little to no skill.
- Explains that the factories sprang up in the industrial revolution illustrated the capitalist principle of wage labor, in which workers disavowed ownership of the means of production in return for an hourly wage.
- Explains capitalism was introduced into america during the industrial revolution, when trade and industry were controlled by private owners, instead of being owned by the state. workers no longer had to take responsibility for the business.
- Explains that capitalism led to competition between buisnesses, which created an incentive for owners to create the best and cheapest goods.
- Analyzes how the census of 1850 showed for the first time that the value of all industrial products was greater than that of agricultural products.
- Explains how the industrial revolution paved the way for modern america. the new technology helped connect america by transportation and communication.
- Explains how the telegraph and telephone put people in contact over long distances. new innovations in technology and transportation changed daily life in the united states.
- Explains that the invention of the telephone and telegraph allowed people to communicate much faster and travel longer distances.
- Explains that the telephone and other technological inventions created a world of invovation and invention, and still impact the world today.
- Explains that technological changes made possible a tremendously increased use of natural resources and the mass production of manufactured goods.
- Explains that railroads were able to take goods from place to place over long distances. this resulted in more efficent buisness and an increase of trading.
- Argues that the industrial revolution was more of a negative event than one that was positive. the fact that children were robbed of their childhood and forced to work is disturbing.
- Opines that the industrial revolution's impacts and changes continue to shine through in the world today.
976 wordsRead More - Andrew Carnegie's Gospel Of Wealthanalytical essaySteel production in the United States keeps one name in mind, Andrew Carnegie, the Master of Steel. Carnegie was a self-made business man who went on to become one of the wealthiest men in the nineteenth century. Carnegie possessed something he called his “gospel of wealth.” The methods by which Carnegie gained his wealth is widely criticized. Carnegie also had multiple sneaky business plans as well. The author relates the failure of Carnegie to the failure of America as well. Due to a small percent of the population controlling most of the money it caused many problems not only socially but also economically. The Master of Steel, Andrew Carnegie, was a genius during his time but had many unfortunate repercussions as a result of his actions.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how carnegie's "failure" reflects the failure of america in the gilded age by people wanting to make a lasting impression of themselves.
- Analyzes the social and economic consequences of the homestead strike in 1892. people wanted to be wealthier and therefore went to great lengths to get more money.
- Explains that andrew carnegie was a mastermind during the gilded age, but he had many disastrous outcomes.
- Analyzes how carnegie, the master of steel, was a self-made business man who went on to become one of the wealthiest men in the nineteenth century. carnegie possessed something he called his "gospel of wealth."
1600 wordsRead More - Crisis of the 1890sanalytical essayIn history, it seems inarguably true that when a nation advanced in power and wealth, changes will soon followed. These changes affected the political, economic and social system of that nation, and often came as an advantage for wealthy individuals, while detrimental to others less fortunate. An example of this notion can be seen in American History. After the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era, America quickly surpassed Great Britain in industrial production thus became the leading nation in industrialization. However, great things do not come without a cost; the rapid technological expansion in the US would initiate the crisis of the 1890s. The crisis of the 1890s was the shift from the rural and agrarian society to a modern urban and industrial society.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how america surpassed great britain in industrial production after the civil war and the reconstruction era. the rapid technological expansion in the us initiated the 1890s crisis.
- Describes the victorian era, a time when pro-private upper class culture dominated the nation, liberated from the burden of the past, and developed science and technology.
- Explains that cities became a crucial element for businessmen seeking to expand their company. minorities from the south and immigrants flocked to newly built cities seeking jobs.
- Analyzes how workers suffered in factories, which were life-threatening and treacherous. they bonded together through organizations that argued for higher wages and better working conditions.
- Describes how the noble and holy order of knights of labor organized protests to negotiate for a better and humane workplace. the haymarket square riots in chicago lasted eight hours as workers rallied for equality.
- Analyzes how the tension between capital and labor only escalated in the 1890s. the theory of protecting the working class contradicted the idea of u.s being an anti-welfare state.
- Concludes that america after the civil war became an industrial society. tension in rural america weakened the agricultural economy and its power.
823 wordsRead More - Industrialism Essayargumentative essayBefore the time period of 1877-1919 the economy was based on farming and agriculture. As technology began to advance the steel industry began to take off. This created a change where this industrial revolution created a new outlook on society. The steel workers were treated poorly and had poor working conditions. The steel workers were paid a very little amount of money but were expected to put in long hours with only one off day a year, which happens to be the fourth of July. The steel workers were beaten and threatened as punishment. The workers put in twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week. For many of the workers, they would work the whole day without a break, for others they would find a few minutes here and there to take a break. The workers would make just about ten dollars a week, which would be just above the poverty line of 500 dollars a year.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that industrialism and its many consequences had an impact on many groups and individuals during the 1877-1919-time period.
- Describes how the industrial revolution created a new outlook on society. the steel workers were treated poorly and had poor working conditions.
- Describes andrew carnegie as an american business industrialist and owner of the carnegie steel company in pittsburgh, pennsylvania. he used vertical integration to maintain market dominance.
- Describes the great railroad strike of 1877, which crippled transportation throughout america, mainly the northeast.
- Describes how the knights of labor were the first large national union to be created. they organized all workers in industries to form labor cooperative businesses.
- Explains that steel workers of this time period were forced to work long days and get paid poorly for their services. the economic change was something that andrew carnegie felt more than anything.
- Explains how an immigrant family was also severely affected by the cruelties of this time, social and economically.
- Explains that new immigrants came to america and threatened the natives because they were taking their jobs and doing it for less money. for a business owner, this is no brainer.
- Explains that chinese immigrants were hired by californian construction companies to work on the central pacific railroad. the chinese exclusion act restricted chinese laborers from entering the united states, but some students and businessmen were allowed into the country.
- Explains that before 1882 the emigration of russian jews to america was restricted to other provinces. after a couple of years the jewish population in the untied states has grown to over one million people.
- Analyzes how jacob riis used his first-hand knowledge of poverty to communicate his belief that the poor were the victims and not the creators of fate. he was one of the first photographers to be able to take photos at night.
- Concludes that immigrants were worse off because they would suffer from the problems of being an immigrant. their social change went from most likely being poor and hated in the country they were from to being worse.
1039 wordsRead More - Chapter 18explanatory essayAs the Industrial Revolution was starting to move forward, many citizens protested about the unfairness that had increased. The result of being a business owner and a worker was absolutely dissimilar. Many industry owners were at a greater rank and received gigantic earnings than the workers working below them. The staff put up with insensitive working circumstances with exceedingly small pay. This separation of social class was the reason a breach was made among the rich and the poor.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that as the industrial revolution was moving forward, many citizens protested about the unfairness that had increased. industry owners were at a greater rank and received gigantic earnings than workers working below them.
- Explains that labor unions struggled for securer working conditions, greater pay, reduced hours, and the right for workers to have a say in their own manual labor.
- Explains that the american federal of labor (afl) was choosy with its followers. they did not allow the inexpert, many women, and african americans. under the presidency of samuel gompers, afl assumed that joint bargaining was the most victorious way to increase improvements in labor force.
- Explains that the afl was advancing until tension grew between the employers and the workers. there were 23,000 strikes involving 6.6 million workers between 1800 and 1900.
- Describes how the afl associates struck after carnegie and henry clay frick lowered wages at the homestead steel plant.
- Explains that the militia gained control over the unions, but these outbreaks got the americans pondering the benefits and consequences of industrialism.
555 wordsRead More - The Effects of Deindustrializationanalytical essayThe industrial revolution began in Europe in the 18th century. The revolution prompted significant changes, such as technological improvements in global trade, which led to a sustained increase in development between the 18th and 19th century. These improvements included mastering the art of harnessing energy from abundant carbon-based natural resources such as coal. The revolution was economically motivated and gave rise to innovations in the manufacturing industry that permanently transformed human life. It altered perceptions of productivity and understandings of mass production which allowed specialization and provided industries with economies of scale. The iron industry in particular became a major source of economic growth for the United States during this period, providing much needed employment, which allowed an abundant population of white people as well as minorities to contribute and benefit from the flourishing economy. Steel production boomed in the U.S. in the mid 1900s. The U.S. became a global economic giant due to the size of its steel industry, taking advantage of earlier innovations such as the steam engine and the locomotive railroad. The U.S. was responsible for 65 percent of steel production worldwide by the end of the 2nd World War (Reutter 1). In Sparrows Point: Making Steel: the Rise and Ruin of American Industrial Might, Mark Reutter reports that “Four out of every five manufacturing items contained steel and 40 percent of all wage earners owed their livelihood directly or indirectly to the industry.” This steel industry was the central employer during this era.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the industrial revolution began in europe in the 18th century. the steel industry was the central employer during this era.
- Analyzes economic data such as employment rates and production rates in the sparrows point industrial complex before, during, and after world war ii, to show the relationship between deindustrialization and urban poverty in american cities.
- Analyzes how the socioeconomic costs of the deindustrialization of sparrows point manifested themselves through health hazards presented to the baltimore population, such as hiv, hepatitis and drug overdoses.
- Explains that baltimore's population declined along with the fall of the manufacturing industry after the 1950s due to a thriving economy fueled by manufacturing jobs.
- Analyzes how the economic transition caused a frantic atmosphere in baltimore, disrupting long established social and family norms.
- Analyzes the impact of deindustrialization on baltimore's population, stating that it is an american problem that can be traced in part to segregation.
- Explains that mark reutter's sparrows point: making steel : the rise and ruin of american industrial might.
- Explains cowie, jefferson, and heathcott's beyond the ruins: the meanings of deindustrialization.
- Opines that deindustrialization creates 'death zones'. executive intelligence review economics staff.
- Explains olson, karen, wives of steel: voices of women from the sparrows point steelmaking communities.
1698 wordsRead More