1. Hierarchy and power dynamics:
- Feudal towns: Feudal towns typically revolved around a feudal lord or a powerful landowner who controlled most of the land and resources in the town. The social structure was hierarchical, with the lord at the top, followed by knights, artisans, serfs, and other members of the community.
- Carnegie's mill towns: In Carnegie's mill towns, he acted as a powerful figure similar to a feudal lord. He controlled the town's economy, dominated the steel industry, and held significant power over the lives of his workers.
2. Economic dependency:
- Feudal towns: The serfs and artisans in feudal towns were economically dependent on the feudal lord for their livelihood. They worked on his land, paid him rent and other dues, and were often tied to the land.
- Carnegie's mill towns: Similarly, workers in Carnegie's mill towns were economically dependent on him. The town's economy was primarily based on the steel mills, and workers depended on Carnegie's company for jobs, housing, and other basic necessities.
3. Paternalistic control and social welfare:
- Feudal towns: Feudal lords often provided certain forms of social welfare to their subjects, such as protection and basic necessities. However, this welfare was tied to the lord's authority, and serfs had limited rights and freedoms.
- Carnegie's mill towns: Carnegie also engaged in paternalistic practices towards his workers. He built libraries, schools, and other community facilities, but this welfare was also accompanied by strict control over workers' lives. Carnegie imposed rules and regulations, including long working hours, low wages, and company-controlled housing.
4. Limited social mobility:
- Feudal towns: The feudal system created rigid social classes, and social mobility was limited. Serfs were bound to the land and had few opportunities to rise in social status.
- Carnegie's mill towns: Similarly, workers in Carnegie's mill towns faced limited social mobility. The town's economic structure and power dynamics concentrated wealth and opportunities in the hands of Carnegie and his associates.
It's important to note that while there were similarities between Andrew Carnegie and mill towns with feudal towns, there were also differences, particularly in terms of legal rights and autonomy. However, the parallels between the two systems highlight certain aspects of economic control and social organization during that historical period.