What events caused the violent Homestead Strike of 1892?.
Andrew Carnegie is known as a pioneer in the business world. He provided the model for a business man which stands to this day. Carnegie also embodies the American dream; starting from immigrant worker and becoming the richest man in the world during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Carnegie made most of his money in the steel industry and made a point to keep a good impression with unions. It was that same man's steel plant where the bloodiest, most violent strike in history took place. The Homestead Strike of 1892 is a major blemish on Carnegies impressive resume. .
For these reasons I would like to find out what caused the Homestead Strike of 1892 by analyzing the historical context of the time period, the events directly leading up to the strike, the strike itself and its aftermath. .
B. Summary of Evidence.
The Setting and Background Information.
In 1873, industrialist Andrew Carnegie decided to concentrate his business efforts on the steel industry. Carnegie realized the tremendous potential that existed in the product.
The steel industry was crucial to Homestead, a borough situated on the left bank of the Monongahela River, just seven miles east of Pittsburgh.
Carnegie bought the Homestead Steel Works with partner, Henry Frick; a man who had originally made his money in the coal business and had a reputation for being ruthless. Frick then became the president of the Homestead Works after Carnegie appointed him to the position. .
Steel production became a necessity with the expansion of railroads between 1880 and 1900. US steel production rose from 1.25 million tons to over 10 million annually. Carnegie produced about a third of the nation's output.
Throughout Andrew Carnegie's professional life he maintained good relations with unions but when push came to shove, his business prospering was clearly ahead of any concern he had for unions.
