Carnegie Steel was considered a vertical monopoly because the company controlled every step of steel production, from raw materials to distribution. This means that Carnegie Steel not only owned the steel mills but also sourced the iron ore and coal needed to produce steel. By controlling the entire supply chain, Carnegie could reduce costs, increase efficiency, and maintain consistent quality across its products.
This integration allowed Carnegie Steel to dominate the industry, as they were not reliant on external suppliers for key materials and processes. Furthermore, by eliminating middlemen and reducing transportation costs, Carnegie could offer lower prices to customers, which helped to drive out competition. In essence, their control over the entire process from start to finish is what solidified their status as a vertical monopoly in the steel industry.