Andrew Carnegie
A business magnate who led the expansion of the American steel industry
Real World Example
Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American businessman who played a key role in making the United States a leader in the steel industry during the late 19th century. His company, Carnegie Steel, used innovative techniques to produce steel more efficiently and cheaply, which helped fuel the growth of railroads and skyscrapers during the industrialization period. Carnegie's actions mattered because they significantly boosted America's economic power and contributed to urbanization and modernization. Today, his legacy lives on in how we view philanthropy; he believed in giving back to society, which inspired his funding of libraries, education, and scientific research. For example, many public libraries across the U.S. were built with his donations, providing communities with access to knowledge and learning resources that continue to inspire and educate people today.