Back

Facts for Kids

Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who transformed the steel industry and dedicated much of his wealth to helping others through education and libraries.

Overview

The Gospel Of Wealth

Early Life And Background

Influence On The Steel Industry

Key Achievements And Milestones

Political Involvement And Views

Rise To Wealth And Business Ventures

Legacy And Impact On American Society

Philanthropy And Social Contributions

Cultural Contributions And Investments

main image

Inside this Article

Carnegie Mellon University

Brooklyn Bridge

United States

New York City

Philanthropy

Pittsburgh

Community

Literacy

Did you know?

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡จ Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835, in Scotland.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ He is best known for creating the steel industry in the late 19th century!

๐Ÿ“š Carnegie donated over $350 million to causes like libraries and schools.

๐ŸŒ† After moving to the U.S. at 13, he started working young to help his family.

๐Ÿญ In 1875, he founded Carnegie Steel Company, the largest steel company in the U.S.!

๐Ÿ’ฐ Carnegie sold his company for an astonishing $480 million in 1901!

โœ๏ธ He believed that wealthy people should help others through his 'Gospel of Wealth'.

๐ŸŒ Carnegie built more than 2,500 libraries worldwide to promote learning.

๐ŸŽ“ He established Carnegie Mellon University in 1900, focusing on education in science and technology.

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ Carnegie also founded the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to promote harmony among nations.

Introduction

Andrew Carnegie was a famous Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist born on November 25, 1835, in Dunfermline, Scotland ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡จ. He moved to the United States with his family when he was 13. Carnegie is best known for building the steel industry in the late 19th century! ๐Ÿ—

๏ธ His work helped to make steel important for railways, buildings, and bridges. Later in life, he gave away much of his fortune to help others, building libraries and schools. Today, he is remembered as a hero for his contributions to society and his belief in helping people improve their lives. ๐Ÿ“š

Read Less

The Gospel Of Wealth

The "Gospel of Wealth" was an important idea Andrew Carnegie shared in an essay he wrote in 1889. ๐Ÿ“œ

It said that rich people had a duty to use their money to help society. Carnegie believed that wealth should be used for good and that it was better to give it away while alive rather than just leave it for future generations. ๐Ÿ’–

He encouraged other wealthy individuals to do the same and believed that creating opportunities for others is the best way to use wealth. This idea has inspired many people, and it's part of why philanthropy became popular in America! ๐ŸŒˆ

Read Less

Early Life And Background

Andrew Carnegie came from a poor family. His father, William, was a handloom weaver, and when the family moved to the United States, they lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ๐ŸŒ†

Carnegie started working at a young age to help his family. He took jobs like bobbin boy in a cotton factory and worked his way up. He loved reading and learning, mainly at a local library. ๐Ÿ“–

Since there were many wealthy people around him, he dreamed of becoming successful. Carnegie's early experiences taught him the value of hard work, and he always believed anyone could succeed, no matter their background. ๐Ÿ’ช

Read Less

Influence On The Steel Industry

Andrew Carnegie significantly changed the steel industry in the United States. His company, Carnegie Steel, helped create steel more efficiently and cheaply than ever before! ๐Ÿ’ก

He introduced new methods, like the Bessemer process, which made strong steel quickly. Because of his success, other companies began to grow and compete, which helped the industry as a whole. As a result, steel became vital for many constructionsโ€”Used for railroads, factories, and skyscrapers! ๐Ÿ™

๏ธ Carnegieโ€™s innovations transformed cities and helped the U.S. become an industrial powerhouse, making it a leader in the steel industry around the world! ๐ŸŒŸ

Read Less

Key Achievements And Milestones

Andrew Carnegie achieved many things in his life! Some of his most significant milestones include founding Carnegie Steel Company in 1892, which became the largest of its kind in the U.S. ๐Ÿญ

He sold the company to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for an incredible $480 million! ๐Ÿ’ฐ

Also, he funded the construction of over 2,500 libraries around the world, ensuring access to books for everyone. ๐Ÿ“–

His impactful book, "The Gospel of Wealth," outlined his views on philanthropy. Carnegie also established Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 1900 to promote education in science and technology. ๐Ÿซ

His achievements helped shape modern America!
Read Less

Political Involvement And Views

Andrew Carnegie was active in politics but mainly used his influence for social good. He supported the labor movement but had different views on workers' rights than some labor leaders. ๐Ÿ”ง

He believed workers should have a share in the wealth they create but not always through strikes or violence. Carnegie promoted education and training for workers to improve their skills. He was also against war and advocated for peace, even influencing international relations. ๐ŸŒ

During his later years, he founded the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to promote cooperation among nations. His ideas influenced modern politics and policy discussions in the U.S. ๐Ÿ•Š

๏ธ
Read Less

Rise To Wealth And Business Ventures

In the 1850s, Andrew Carnegie started investing in the railroad and telegraph businesses. ๐Ÿš‚

His big break came when he realized steel was becoming very important for building things. In 1875, he created the Carnegie Steel Company, which grew quickly! By 1900, it produced more steel than all of Great Britain. ๐Ÿญ

Carnegie was known for being smart and innovative, focusing on efficiency. His company helped build famous places like the Brooklyn Bridge and the U.S. Navy's warships. By the early 1900s, Carnegie became one of the richest men in America, proving that hard work and smart decisions can pay off! ๐Ÿ’ฐ

Read Less

Legacy And Impact On American Society

Andrew Carnegie's legacy is significant in American history. He showed that one person's hard work and vision could change the world! ๐ŸŒ

His vast philanthropic efforts, especially in education and literacy, helped people gain knowledge and improve their lives. Libraries funded by him provided books and resources to millions of people. ๐Ÿ“š

Because of his contributions, Carnegie is remembered as a great philanthropist and industrialist. Today, his name is linked to important organizations like the Carnegie Corporation, which continues to support education and social advancement. Carnegieโ€™s impact can be seen in how we value learning and public resources today! ๐ŸŽ“

Read Less

Philanthropy And Social Contributions

After making a lot of money, Andrew Carnegie decided to give back to the community. He believed rich people should help others, which led to his famous idea called the "Gospel of Wealth." โœ๏ธ Carnegie donated over $350 million to various causes, including libraries, schools, and universities. He helped to build more than 2,500 libraries around the world! ๐Ÿ›

๏ธ Carnegie's dream was to ensure everyone had access to knowledge and the opportunity to learn. He also supported peace movements and funded organizations that promoted international harmony, showing that money can be used to make the world better. ๐ŸŒ

Read Less

Cultural Contributions And Investments

Carnegie greatly influenced American culture through his investments in libraries, schools, and other cultural institutions. ๐Ÿ›

๏ธ He believed education was essential for personal and societal growth. He established the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in 1895 to provide free access to books and learning. ๐ŸŽ“

His money also helped create museums, music halls, and art centers, making culture accessible to everyone. Carnegie also built Carnegie Hall in New York City, which opened in 1891 and remains a famous concert venue for musicians today. ๐ŸŽถ

By supporting arts and culture, he aimed to enrich lives, showing that education and creativity could come together! ๐ŸŽจ

Read Less

Andrew Carnegie Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a โ€œChallengeโ€ on DIY?
What is a โ€œCourseโ€ on DIY?
What are โ€œSkillsโ€ on DIY?
What if I'm new to all thisโ€”where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraftโ„ข, Mojang, Microsoft, Robloxโ„ข or YouTube. LEGOยฎ is a trademark of the LEGOยฎ Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.