Post on 21-Dec-2015
The Rise and fall of an American Industrial Giant
Photo retrieved from: http://www.oboylephoto.com/steel/index.htm
Bethlehem Steel
The Steel is an important piece of our local history. It attracted many people to
Bethlehem and surrounding areas seeking jobs. It provided the Lehigh Valley with the
promise of a bright financial future and a stable economy. After many years of
success followed by years of uncertainty, it eventually shut its doors in 1995.
Please watch the following video and use the NARA worksheet provided to analyze the
video. Submit your worksheet to your teacher when you are done.
Allentown- Bethlehem Steel Tribute
Task # 1
Video retrieved from:
http://vodpod.com/watch/3242495-allentown-bethlehem-steel-tribute
NARA Worksheets provided by:
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/worksheets/
Timeline of Events
1850-1900
Southside Bethlehem became industrial during this time period with railroad and iron production. Immigrants came looking for work, Bethlehem Steel was created, though it was originally an iron company.
Timeline of Events
1900-1920
With the help from Charles Schwab and WWI, a series of changes happened at Bethlehem Steel. It increased in size and production. Bethlehem became known as a prosperous “steel town.”
Timeline of Events
1920-1960
The second world war and the formation of American infrastructure increased the demand for steel. This was the Golden Age for the steel industry. Eugene Grace took over after Charles Schwab and at the same time the labor workers became united with the formation of the national steelworkers union.
Timeline of Events
1960-1980
The steel appeared to be continuing its prosperous years however with the growing number of mini-mills and foreign steel importation it was threatened. The executives still enjoyed their high salaries and extensive perks, while the laborers still were paid high wages and were protected by the union.
Timeline of Events
1980-1990
Under new chairman Donald Trautlein Bethlehem Steel had major staff cuts and the city itself realized that they were losing their single financial basis.Changing prices, failure to diversify, foreign production and outdated practices along with overspending had written the fate for Bethlehem Steel.
Timeline retrieved from:
http://www.bethlehempaonline.com/public_html/timeline.html
Task #2
List at least three of the contributing factors that lead to the fall of Bethlehem Steel.
While viewing the website provided about the Last Cast on November 18th
1995, with a partner, complete the photograph NARA worksheet to analyze one of the photographs provided on this
page.
Task #3
Working for the Steel, Creating a Community
Read this article before you complete your final task!
Article retrieved from:
http://www.hsp.org/default.aspx?id=946
Task #4 Your Final Task!
Please write a brief summary of what you have learned about the rise and the fall of
Bethlehem Steel.
Resources
NARA Worksheets
Bethlehem Pa online
HSP