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that they were losing their single financial basis.Changing prices, failure to diversify, foreign production and outdated practices along with overspending had written the fate for Bethlehem Steel.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.

Visit this web page

Last Cast

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