Towards the end of the 19th Century, the point of view and development of the economy was shared through different points of view. The status of an individual in society plays a huge factor in determining ones position on wealth. Andrew Carnegie's capitalistic views of social Darwinism was opposed by Eugene V. Debs" belief in a socialistic end to robber barons, but shared by Booker T. Washington's aspirations of hard work toward prosperity. .
Carnegie's early years as a diligent worker shaped his personality toward the economy and riches for the rest of his life. He believed that in order for a company to operate efficiently, one must dissect each portion to get the full picture. He was careful in maintaining low costs because he felt that if one examined the expenses correctly, the benefits would soon come in. He did whatever it was necessary for his business to succeed, even if it meant having brutally low wages. His view of vertical integration illustrates that his view on wealth was a necessary mean for a business to succeed, even if it meant putting another company out of business. He was well aware of the harsh conditions of the employees, but he felt that it was necessary. Although his goals necessary for means of production, his mind-set was placed back into the charities because with all the profits, he donated more than $300 million to charitable causes. This exhibits that although he was an industrial tycoon, his feelings toward the origin of the wealth was in the right place. This belief of a company powered by an individual was incredibly disliked by socialists.
Eugene V. Debs" first socialist views came in the late 19th Century, when he became a fiery organizer of a walkout during the Pullman Strikes, after wages were cut dramatically. He than began to work for the members of Unions, who he felt the actual profits of a company came from. He wanted to end capitalism, which Carnegie was an advocate for, and felt that the ownership of these factories and companies should be brought back to the community.