Andrew Carnegie: Rags to Riches, Power to Peace

Andrew Carnegie: Rags to Riches, Power to Peace is a poignant 2015 documentary that portrays the life story and ambitions of one of history's most influential entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Andrew Carnegie. Directed by Vicky Matthews and seconded by Brian Cox in the narrator's role, historians David Nasaw and Seth Kamil provide further depth and substance to the documentary's enrichment with their insightful commentaries which shed light on the pivotal moments of Carnegie's life.

The documentary consistently holds viewer interest through its all-encompassing exploration of Carnegie's compelling trajectory: a journey beginning in impoverished and humble surroundings in Scotland and culminating with his ascension to the status of billionaire in America's industrial revolution era. The narrative brilliantly brings out the distinction of his path: where most wealthy men of his time built their empire on real estate, Carnegie minted his fortune in the steel industry.

The title of the movie, "Andrew Carnegie: Rags to Riches, Power to Peace" embodies the characteristic dual-nature of the steel magnate's life. His rags to riches journey is not just limited to his upgrade from poverty to affluence, or from being a textile worker to becoming the 'King of Steel'. It also indicates his ideals, which evolved from the cut-throat capitalist mindset to a peace-loving philanthropist stance. The film expertly evokes the contrast between Carnegie's two significant goals - to die rich and to promote international peace - through Cox's encapsulating narration and the expert analysis from Nasaw and Kamil.

The documentary's first half primarily revolves around the building of Carnegie's empire. It showcases his relentless determination and how he manipulated both his social and political connections to monopolize the American steel industry, which would eventually become the foundation of his enormous wealth. The film delves into some of the significant milestones, including establishment of the Carnegie Steel Company, the Homestead Strike, which was one of the most serious labor disputes in history, and the eventual sale of his empire to J.P. Morgan, which made him one of the richest men in the world.

The second half of the movie takes a turn towards Carnegie's dedication towards philanthropy and peace. No longer preoccupied with the accumulation of wealth, Carnegie undertook the cause of peace. It gives an in-depth account of his work in setting up numerous libraries, schools, and institutions. It delves into his belief that the wealthy have an ethical obligation towards society and should use their fortunes for the betterment of mankind—a belief embodied in his Gospel of Wealth philosophy.

The documentary also explores the contradictions present in Carnegie’s life. As the story progresses, viewers witness a severe irony between the man who immensely profited from a capitalist society and the one who dreamed of its abolition in favor of a more just world, or the 'man of peace' who battled his own violent labor disputes.

"Andrew Carnegie: Rags to Riches, Power to Peace" captures the complexities of an individual who dared to dream big and then devoted himself to the greater social good. It is an exploration of a man's incredible journey from abject poverty to colossal affluence and from power to advocacy for global harmony. Despite his meteoric rise, Carnegie was not just an industrial magnate, his lingering belief in the human spirit marks him as one of history's exceptional figures, making this documentary an engaging and compelling watch.

With Cox's emphatic narration, Nasaw and Kamil's expert commentary, and Matthew’s overall direction, the film stands out as an insightful and enriching portrayal of Carnegie's life and ideals. A recommended watch for history buffs, entrepreneur enthusiasts, and those who are curious about the life and influence of one of the most prominent figures in American history.