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3 Reasons why Andrew Carnegie was a villain

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Answer:

Johnstown Flood, working conditions and Homestead strike

Step-by-step explanation:

  • Involvement in the Johnstown Flood

Carnegie was a member of South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and partner of Henry Frick, who were both blamed for a Johnstown Flood. Allegedly, Frick lowered the dam for his carriage to pass, which, combined with rainfall, caused the dam to burst. Over 2000 people died, and over 16000 houses were destroyed. While Carnegie later invested in helping people affected by the flood, he had connections to its causing.

  • Bad working conditions

While Andre Carnegie’s business gave many people the job, conditions of labor weren’t good at all. People reported that they got only $1.4 per hour while working 12 hours all week, with no free days except Independence day. Workers were exhausted and malnourished.

  • Rootless approach to the strike

Because of the mentioned work conditions, people started the strike in Homestead, one of the main plants. Carnegie was strongly against labor unionization and strikes. The strike lasted for 143, and finally, the force was involved. It resulted in the death of 7 to 9 workers, as well as over 100 injuries. Strike leader was charged with murder, the committee for treason, and 160 more workers with lesser crimes.

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