Labor Continued… Take out your “Labor Workshop” answers/notes from last class and review over them for the quiz

Short Answer Questions 1.Briefly explain why each of the following strikes occurred and whether or not they were successful for the workers: Homestead, Pullman and Lawrence 2. What happened to Frank Little and Wesley Everest and why? What does this tell you (what can you infer) about the power of big business back then? 3. How was the government (politicians, police, court systems, federal marshals, etc.) involved in these strike? Whose side were they generally on and why?

Captains of Industry…or Robber Barons? Social Darwinism – took the “survival of the fittest” idea and related it to business: If you were rich, than you had the necessary skills to succeed. If you were poor, that was your own fault and you need to work harder. Therefore…workers should stop complaining and come up with a useful idea to make themselves rich.

Captains of Industry or Robber Barons? Philanthropist – A wealthy person who donates a large sum of money for the advancement of society. An example would be to donate money for the construction of a public library, or music hall, or school…

Andrew Carnegie His family moved to the US from Scotland, and he worked his way up in ranks through the Rail Roads. He eventually got into the steel business and vertically integrated his company. What does Vertical Integration mean again? What types of businesses would Carnegie most likely have bought to vertically integrate his steel company?

Andrew Carnegie His father believed in democracy and social equality… His mother believed in the theory of “sink or swim”  He felt the rich had a moral obligation to advance society How might his parents views affect the way he runs his business?

Complicated Man 1) Huge philanthropist, donated money to build Carnegie Hall 2) Ran his company like a dictator, no opportunity for workers to advance Which of his parents do you think influenced his philanthropy and which influenced his business style?

John D. Rockefeller He worked his way to the top from a clerk Became an oil tycoon through horizontal expansion and vertical integration. He had 90% control of the oil industry. What do Carnegie and Rockefeller have in common in the beginning of their careers? Do you think they would agree with Social Darwinism? Explain.

John D. Rockefeller He made deals with the rail roads so that they would not ship competitors goods Also a philanthropist, believing the causes he supported allowed people to better themselves. He tithed 10% to his church and gave to science and education. What is the political cartoon trying to imply about Rockefeller? Do you think this was true?

Henry C. Frick The son of a prosperous Whiskey Distiller, went to one year of college, but never graduated Joined 2 of his cousins to create a coke business (Used in steel manufacturing, not the drug) With the help of Andrew Mellon, he was able to buy out his partners and have full control of the company How is Frick’s background different from Carnegie and Rockefeller? How might this influence his business style?

Henry C. Frick Created a country club for his rich friends…they did not properly prepare a dam, which broke and flooded Johnson, PA… He covered it up and helped pay for damages so that he wouldn’t be sued What does this tell you about Frick’s moral obligations and power?

Homestead Strike Frick had a partnership with Carnegie and made the Homestead Mill into a fortress, topped with barbed-wire. He brutally suppressed the strikers, ruining his relationship with Carnegie. 1892, the anarchist, Alexander Berkman attempted to murder Frick for how he handled the Homestead Strike. He failed.

Henry C. Frick He was also a philanthropist, who donated money to build parks and museums. He even donated his furniture and artwork after death.

Free Market Laissez Faire Economics = Free economics, the government has not intrusion on how a business is run, the market will regulate itself. Is this good or bad and why? Read “The Jungle” excerpt and discuss when the government should get invovled…