Final answer:
Andrew Carnegie began working with steel to capitalize on profitable opportunities in the steel industry, inspired by the potential he saw after observing the Bessemer process in Britain. His implementation of vertical integration allowed him to dominate the market by controlling all aspects of production and distribution, which was facilitated in part by government-imposed tariffs and the demand generated by railroad and naval expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andrew Carnegie began working with steel primarily for profitable opportunities in the burgeoning industry during the late 19th century. Through his observations of the Bessemer process in Britain, which made the production of steel more efficient, he recognized the economic potential and instituted it at his Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Steel Factory. The business strategy known as vertical integration enabled him to control all stages of production and distribution, which not only cut costs significantly but also ensured superior product quality. This industrious approach ultimately allowed Carnegie to outcompete other players in the industry and dominate the U.S. steel market by the 1900s.
Moreover, government intervention played a role in fostering the domestic steel industry. Increased tariffs on imported goods and the expansion of railroads and naval forces created a heightened demand for steel. By controlling the entirety of his steel-making process—including the acquisition of mines, shipping fleets, and railroads—Carnegie could sell his steel at more competitive prices than his competitors. His business acumen and financial backing led him to become the foremost steel producer of his time, and later, he became a renowned philanthropist.