Error message

Deprecated function: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in rasp_block_view() (line 2667 of /home/ai_resource/site_resources_dev/sites/all/modules/rasp/rasp.module).

Analyzing "The Gospel of Wealth"

Scottish-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, became one of the world’s richest people by expanding his steel business in the late 1800s. At a time when the wealth gap in America was severe, Carnegie encouraged wealthy people to give back in order to help their communities, a practice he himself became famous for doing. His opinions about wealth are recorded in “The Gospel of Wealth” which Carnegie wrote in 1889.

Weblink address (URL):

Home Page- source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

The student will:

Research and share background knowledge about Andrew Carnegie
Analyze excerpts from “The Gospel of Wealth”
Integrate Carnegie’s ideas into the context of the Progressive Era
Participate in a class discussion applying Carnegie’s ideas to society today

Essential and guiding questions:

What responsibility, if any, do the wealthy have to the rest of society?
What can “The Gospel of Wealth” tell us about Andrew Carnegie and his views on wealth?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Extension suggestions:

Have your students choose a modern-day organization or charity to research. Ask them to determine its origins, leaders, purpose, goals, and from where they receive funding. Consider hosting a bake sale or collecting donations to give back. Students could then create a presentation to share their experience with the class.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

“The Gospel of Wealth” excerpt, Pg. 1-2
Post-its