The Gospel Of Wealth

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Reading Check

1. What is one of the consequences of the “caste” system in factories?

2. What are the three modes that wealth can be dispersed with?

3. According to Carnegie, what do estate taxes mean about the government’s view of wealth?

4. What does Carnegie believe will happen if Mr. Cooper’s fortune was distributed among the masses?

5. What is Carnegie’s view on “alms-giving?”

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does the production of products compare from ancient times to Carnegie’s era? How does he feel about this change in production?

2. According to Carnegie, what are the pros and cons of the “law of competition”? In the end, is this law beneficial or detrimental to society?

3. What does Carnegie say was a turning point in the history of civilization? How did capitalism arise from this turning point?

4. What are the duties of the “man of wealth?”

5. How does Carnegie rectify “the problem between the rich and the poor?” Describe the necessary duties of each party.

Paired Resources

“The Steel Business”

• PBS.org’s article highlights the reality of working conditions at Carnegie Steel.
• The conditions of labor point to some of the difficulties related to Capitalism and Inequality.
• How does this article’s information on labor conditions compare with Carnegie’s view on labor conditions for workers in his essay?

“Andrew Carnegie: Pioneer. Visionary. Innovator”

• The website of the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy shares information on “the father of Philanthropy.”
• Carnegie’s story possesses elements of Duty and Moral Responsibility and The American Dream.
• Compare and contrast the descriptions of Carnegie’s work in the first and second Paired Resources section. What is the difference in point-of-view and perspective?

Recommended Next Reads 

“A Cross of Gold” by William Jennings Bryan

• Bryan’s 1896 speech at the Democratic National Convention is considered one of the best examples of oration in US history.
• The speech connects with the themes The American Dream and Capitalism and Inequality.
• Shared topics include economic challenges in the turn-of-the-century US, the use of rhetoric in an essay, and biblical allusions as appealing to the masses.
• “A Cross of Gold” on SuperSummary

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

• Sinclair’s 1905 novel, which highlights the troubles that many working class immigrants experienced at the hands of wealthy businesses, is one of the most influential critiques of capitalism during the Progressive Era.
• The novel connects with the themes The American Dream and Capitalism and Inequality.
• Shared topics include working conditions in turn-of-the-century factories, the necessity of charitable causes, and the draws of capitalism and communism.
• The Jungle on SuperSummary