Final answer:
Historical records indicate that Andrew Carnegie offered financial assistance following the South Fork Dam disaster by contributing to the recovery effort, including the construction of the Johnstown Library, aligning with his philanthropic reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking how Andrew Carnegie, a prominent industrialist of the late 19th century, might react to the South Fork Dam disaster, also known as the Johnstown Flood, which occurred in 1889 and was one of the deadliest disasters in American history. While it's a hypothetical question and can't be answered definitively, historical records show that Carnegie did indeed offer financial assistance after the disaster. Although input from Carnegie himself regarding the disaster is limited, it's known that he built the Johnstown Library as a form of aid and to help the city recover. It is less likely that he would have denied involvement or solely blamed others, as Carnegie's philanthropic tendencies were well-documented even at that time. Launching an investigation would typically fall to local or state authorities, though it's possible he may have supported such efforts. Given his historical philanthropy, the most appropriate answer is likely B. Offer financial assistance.