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Write a 4-page essay analyzing the primary sources "The Duty of a Man of Wealth" by Andrew Carnegie and "A Workman's Prayer," focusing on the context, the responsibilities of the wealthy according to Carnegie, the working man's response, the explanation of philanthropy and labor relationships, and the connection to the 1892 Homestead Strike. The essay should include an outline, thesis statement, and works cited, integrating at least 10 credible sources with proper citations in Chicago style.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

During the late 19th century, the United States was transformed by rapid industrialization, marked by the rise of powerful industrialists such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt. Their accumulation of immense wealth exemplified the Gilded Age’s economic disparity and generated significant debate about the social responsibilities of the wealthy and the rights of workers. Central to this discourse were primary sources like Carnegie’s "The Gospel of Wealth" (1889) and "A Workman’s Prayer" (1894), which reveal contrasting perspectives on wealth, philanthropy, and labor conduct.

Andrew Carnegie’s primary source, "The Gospel of Wealth," articulates a philosophy where the wealthy bear a moral obligation to use their wealth for the betterment of society. Carnegie advocates that the rich should live modestly, serve as role models, and fund public institutions such as libraries and educational facilities. Conversely, "A Workman’s Prayer" presents a starkly different perspective, depicting working-class dissatisfaction, skepticism toward the wealthy’s motives, and accusations of exploitation and false benevolence. The context of these sources lies in the economic and social conditions of the late 1800s, including stark wealth disparities, labor unrest, and the rise of trusts and monopolies.

The responsibilities of the wealthy, as set forth by Carnegie, encompass using their fortunes to promote societal progress rather than hoarding wealth or indulging in ostentatious lifestyles. Carnegie believed in stewardship, where the accumulation of wealth was a trust, and its redistribution through philanthropy would benefit society, especially the working class. This attitude, however, faced criticism from workers, who viewed such philanthropy as a distraction from their rights and working conditions. The workingman’s response, as expressed sarcastically in "A Workman's Prayer," mocks Carnegie’s moral duties, highlighting the workers’ suspicion of paternalistic philanthropy that did little to address their fundamental grievances—poor wages, unsafe conditions, and lack of voice.

This tension is exemplified in the context of the 1892 Homestead Strike. Carnegie’s and other industrialists’ opposition to worker rights, combined with their massive philanthropic efforts, underscores a contradiction: wealth amassed through the suppression of labor was channeled into initiatives that purported to improve workers’ lives. The strike, which involved violent clashes between workers and private security, illustrated that industrialists’ claims of benevolence did not translate into genuine respect for worker autonomy. Instead, they prioritized profit and control, often at the expense of workers’ welfare.

Analyzing these sources reveals the ideological dissonance of the Gilded Age’s economic elites—they championed philanthropy that ostensibly benefited society while resisting reforms that could threaten their wealth. The workers’ response indicates distrust and resentment toward the paternalistic attitude of the wealthy, perceiving it as a guise for continued exploitation. This dynamic contributed to ongoing labor conflicts like the Homestead Strike, which challenged the narrative of harmonious industrial progress promoted by philanthropy. Ultimately, these sources and events demonstrate the contrasting visions of wealth and labor during a pivotal era of American history, whose impacts are still debated today.

References

• Carnegie, Andrew. "The Gospel of Wealth." 1889.
• Carnegie, Andrew. "A Workman's Prayer." The Coming Nation, February 10, 1894.
• Lagemann, Ellen Condliffe. The Politics of Knowledge: The Carnegie Corporation and the Shaping of American Higher Education. Rutgers University Press, 1983.
• Livesey, Thomas. The Making of the American Industrial System. Routledge, 2001.
• Nelson, Daniel. Workers and the Struggle for Democracy in America. University of Illinois Press, 1991.
• Rosen, Daniel M. The Elusive Ideal: Equal Opportunity and the American Dream. University of North Carolina Press, 2000.
• Schlereth, Thomas J. Victorian America: Transformations in Everyday Life, 1876-1910. Harper & Row, 1991.
• Zieger, Robert H. The CIO: 1935-1955. University of North Carolina Press, 1995.
• Hofstadter, Richard. The Age of Reform: From Bryan to F.D.R.. Vintage Books, 1955.
• Sklar, Holly. The corporate reconstruction of American labor: A Re-examination of the Interunion Rivalry. University of Illinois Press, 1980.