Thesis & Summary
In the 19th century, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller competed against one another to become the wealthiest man in America. Both propelled the US into its’ second industrialization, both were multi-millionaires, both were philanthropists, however, Carnegie’s ethical motives for giving back to the nation were more noble. We found sources that explained the differences behind Carnegie and Rockefeller's philanthropy. Our research suggests that Rockefeller’s motives for giving were for religious and obligatory reasons. Whereas Carnegie donated based off of an innate philosophy that the rich have no other option but to help the poor. Our sources show that Rockefeller did give a larger amount of money to charity, however, he was wealthier than Carnegie. Various court cases and certain muckrakers made many Americans including ourselves suspicious at Rockefeller's true reasons for giving.