Teacher Guide to Student Worksheet 4-Workers’ Perspective
Preamble.
1. What is the purpose of the Amalgamated Association?
Their purpose is to unite and raise the standard of living, status, and moral for the iron and steel worker.
“To rescue our trades from the condition into which they have fallen, and raise ourselves to that condition in society to which we, as mechanics, are justly entitled; to place ourselves on a foundation sufficiently strong to secure us from encroachments; to elevate the moral and intellectual condition of every Iron and Steel Worker in the country, is the object of our National Association.”
The World Cartoon.
1. What was the McKinley Tariff and how did it protect management interest?
The McKinley Tariff was initiated by Ohio Senator McKinley and placed a large tax on foreign imports. This protected our companies by lifting the pressure of a competitive market and inducing United States citizens to buy products manufactured in America. Because this tariff was unusually high, it became tremendously unpopular as people feared it would bring foreign retribution. While American businesses profited from this arrangement, workers saw little increase in their pay.
2. How does the cartoonist show the relative vulnerability of the workman?
The workman stands out in the open and holds no weapon. The sheriff(?) sits idle at the side. On the other hand, Carnegie stands behind the wall of the McKinley Tariff and the Pinkerton Army. He is brandishing a rifle, and is backed up by a Pinkerton holding a stick.
3. What does the notice that the workman has stepped on say?
You can see the irony of the words “protected” American workmen and wages reduced 30%.
4. What would you say is the main message of this cartoon and whose perspective is it representing?
This cartoon shows the unfair advantage of protection given the management of the company against the lack of protection provided for its employees. It also shows who consequently prospers (management—Diamond stick pin of Carnegie’s.) The cartoon seems to represent the voice of the worker.
Tyrant Frick.
1. Where was this published and when?
It was published in the National Labor Tribune on August 27, 1892.
2. This song includes the reference to Hungarians killed unjustly in the coke districts’ fight. What incident is this?
It refers to the Morewood Massacre in April of 1891. Seven Hungarians were killed by Pinkertons.
3. What are some of the names given to Frick?
Slaver driver, Tyrant, “The Nigger driver King”
4. How is the worker portrayed in the Homestead Battle?
He is portrayed as a hero.
The Modern Baron with Ancient Methods.
1. From what perspective would you say is this cartoon drawn?
It seems to be drawn from the workers’ perspective.
2. How is Carnegie being portrayed?
He is being portrayed as over-reacting and using violent methods to deal with workers on strike.
3. Are you surprised Frick is not the person in the castle? Explain why or why not.
Yes and no. Ultimately, Carnegie owns the company and should be held responsible for the activities which took place there, even as he wished to escape the situation by disappearing on holiday. However, it was Frick who built the fence with barbed wire around the property.
4. What “ancient methods” are indicated in the cartoon?
Electric fence, cannons, hot water, and melted pitch
Rutter Death Documents.
1. To which hospital was Rutter taken?
Homeopathic Hospital
2. When did he die and from what injury?
He died on July 17, 1892 (5:30 AM) from a gun shot wound.
3. How old was he? What was his occupation?
He was 46 years old and was an iron worker at Homestead.
St. Louis-Post Dispatch Excerpt.
1. Hugh O’Donnell was the Chairman of the Advisory Board set up by Amalgamated Association when the lockout occurred. He was also a skilled worker at the plant. How does he describe the state of the crowd on the morning of July 6, 1892?
Hugh describes the crowd as worked up--“eager for the fray.”
2. How many people were there?
8,000 men
3. What was the advice of Captain Coon to the crowd?
He appealed for peace. “For God’s sake put down your guns and look to the protection of your families.”