In the 19th century, America was significantly changed by a progressive movement which strived to gain an economic opportunity, religious morality, political honesty and social stability. The efforts of the famous progressives have shaped one of the most powerful nations in this world. The United States is ahead of most of other countries in the business world and continues to make the better products. Nevertheless, America wouldn't be so economically strong without the contributions of Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy industrialist who showed the world a profitable and proper way to operate a business. Andrew Carnegie is the real reason why American business and economy had become so dominant in the 20th century.
Carnegie was born in November 25, 1835 in Dunfermline, Scotland. His parents were handloom weavers who barely had enough money for food. Carnegies were radicals who never feared to demonstrate for their rights. Andrew's father, Will, was a follower of Chartism, a popular movement of the British working class that called for the masses to vote and to run for Parliament in order to help improve conditions for workers. Such exposure to political beliefs made a lasting expression on young Andrew Carnegie and played a significant role in his life. By 1835, the invention of the Cotton Gin and the development of power looms meant that the days of the handloom weaver were numbered. Finally, in 1847 a large steam power weaving factory opened in Dunfermline ending the handloom weaving business for good. Carnegie family was out of work and decided to immigrate to the United States in search of better life. They came to the United States in 1848 and settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Andrew was only twelve years old but already envisioned glorious promises for himself in the New World. He started work at the age of 13 as a bobbin boy in local textile mill and made $1.20 a week. He then moved rapidly through a succession of jobs with Western Union and the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1865, he established his own business enterprises and eventually organized the Carnegie Steel Company, which launched the steel industry in Pittsburgh. At age sixty-five, he sold his company to J.P. Morgan and devoted the rest of his life to his philanthropic activities and writing.
Carnegie argued that hard work was the main reason a person could succeed in anything. He said, ?Unless a person works hard on a project; it will not succeed.? Andrew was taught by his mother that he could only eat only what he could buy with the money he earned through hard work. He shut his eyes on the reality of his early life and worked hard to become the wealthiest man in the world. Young Carnegie published his first article in February 1882 issue of the "Fortnightly Review" British magazine in which he argued the importance of hard work. He had a little sympathy and understanding for those who failed in their goals. Carnegie didn't engage in any social activities in the early parts of his life and devoted most of his time to work.
Andrew Carnegie's management of his companies reshaped the way business was performed in the 19th century. His treatment of workers was completely different from all other businesses? at that time. His true genius was his ability to work closely with other men. Carnegie thought of himself as a man of the people and a hero of workers. His workers got the higher salaries and shorter shifts. Carnegie used a 'sliding scale? in wages. The pay of the workers would increase if profits went up, and the pay would decrease if profits went sown. This was an initiative for workers to work harder if they wanted higher wages. Carnegie had an impressive way of dealing with workers who went on a strike. He didn't hire new workers, but instead shut the business down completely and made the strikers to eventually give ...