The events of the Homestead Strike on July 6th, 1892 can be classified as one of the most dramatic incidents in the History of Labor and Capital. The workers and management maintained good relations. In 1889, a three year contract was renewed. However, when the contract was set to be renewed once again, management decided to step up production demands. Steel prices had dropped dramatically so Henry Frick, the manager, wanted to decrease his employees' wages. With the employees and Frick refusing to come to an agreement, he began locking workers out of parts of the factory. Workers openly expressed their determination to be the only ones operating on the Carnegie works. The workers had already asked for a dollar more in their wages, however
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When they arrived on July 6, they were met with ten thousand strikers. Because both sides were armed, there were casualties and injuries. Many local residents sympathized with the strikers, therefore instead of them, militia were recruited and arrived on July 12. The way Frick was acting won further sympathy for the strikers. However, that went out of the window when there was an attempt on his life. This assassination attempt increased public animosity towards the union. The strike lost its momentum but still continued until it ended in November. The union was defeated and workers asked for their jobs back. Public perception of this event could be shaped by what they read. For example, the Illustrated American discussed the events of the Homestead Strike. The July 16 issue simply discussed the events of July 6. I believe they seemed to be very sympathetic to the strikers and their cause. "The Man asked one dollar more than the Master was willing to pay. "Protection" had poured gold into his strong box, and raised the price of beef, bread, and clothing." (The Incident of the 6th of July.) It seemed like the writer was trying to explain how greedy the employer was, to have a disagreement on one dollar while he was already well off. In addition to not willing to pay one dollar, prices were raised for certain …show more content…
All the workers wanted was an extra dollar which management refused to provide. In reading this, I think it would be impossible not to sympathize with the strikers and feel against management of the Homestead. A July 23 issue of the Illustrated American further discussed the situation at Homestead. "........but the General put on his most freezing manner when he told them he had no need of their services..." (The Situation at Homestead) This showed how when a delegation from the strikers was sent to offer their assistance, he not only brushed them off, he was cold and rude.
"....during the march from the barges to the rink the Pinkerton men were shamefully abused by the crowd..." (The Situation at Homestead) The leader of the strikers was telling the story of how the two sides surrendered and although the men were abused, they made sure they got out of town safely. I believe this made the strikers look good and probably furthered the public's sympathy towards
When they arrived on July 6, they were met with ten thousand strikers. Because both sides were armed, there were casualties and injuries. Many local residents sympathized with the strikers, therefore instead of them, militia were recruited and arrived on July 12. The way Frick was acting won further sympathy for the strikers. However, that went out of the window when there was an attempt on his life. This assassination attempt increased public animosity towards the union. The strike lost its momentum but still continued until it ended in November. The union was defeated and workers asked for their jobs back. Public perception of this event could be shaped by what they read. For example, the Illustrated American discussed the events of the Homestead Strike. The July 16 issue simply discussed the events of July 6. I believe they seemed to be very sympathetic to the strikers and their cause. "The Man asked one dollar more than the Master was willing to pay. "Protection" had poured gold into his strong box, and raised the price of beef, bread, and clothing." (The Incident of the 6th of July.) It seemed like the writer was trying to explain how greedy the employer was, to have a disagreement on one dollar while he was already well off. In addition to not willing to pay one dollar, prices were raised for certain …show more content…
All the workers wanted was an extra dollar which management refused to provide. In reading this, I think it would be impossible not to sympathize with the strikers and feel against management of the Homestead. A July 23 issue of the Illustrated American further discussed the situation at Homestead. "........but the General put on his most freezing manner when he told them he had no need of their services..." (The Situation at Homestead) This showed how when a delegation from the strikers was sent to offer their assistance, he not only brushed them off, he was cold and rude.
"....during the march from the barges to the rink the Pinkerton men were shamefully abused by the crowd..." (The Situation at Homestead) The leader of the strikers was telling the story of how the two sides surrendered and although the men were abused, they made sure they got out of town safely. I believe this made the strikers look good and probably furthered the public's sympathy towards