How is Andrew Carnegie a robber baron?

Question

They say he is one but other than the homestead strike I can't see how he is depicted as one?

Answer 1

The Homestead strike was enough to make him a robber baron. However, Carnegie formed through treating his competitor and business partners in a way to from a monopoly underhandedly. He was not like John D. Rockefeller who use to abuse anyone who wasn't a Baptist with fairness in business dealing - but he was pretty bad (amazingly many more recent biographers like to leave the religious angles out because its not politically correct to discuss such things). However, why don't you read the man's own words at http://www.pamij.com/99_4_1_wren.html and you can learn some of his own arrogance in what he had created.

Don't get me wrong I respect Carnegie and all the robber baron because without them the American Industry behemoth which has been the greatest thing to mankind would not of been created. What I don't understand is why being seen as a robber baron would be seen ultimately as a bad thing. That is the real shame - Carnegie should be listed with pride as a robber baron - not seen as a he is being painted with a brush of shame.

Answer 2

Andrew Carnegie was not a robber baron. Andrew Carnegie was a brilliant entreprenuer with a priceless philosophy.

Answer 3

Andrew Carnegie built up an empire. How did he do it? You may want to check into how he built up his companies. Which companies or businesses had to close because Carnegie undercut them? How did he buy up the companies to make his own company stronger?

He was a great entrepreneur and a great philanthropist. But, he got wealthy the hard way- by crushing his competition.