Student Worksheet 1-Management Worksheet

Teacher Guide to Student Worksheet 1-Management Perspective

Engraving:

1. What event is unfolding in the engraving?

Anarchist Alexander Berkman is attempting to assassinate Henry C. Frick in his office. He shoots him twice and stabs him but is quickly captured. Although severely wounded, Frick is reluctant to let the event interrupt his work day. He continues working, pausing to have bullets extracted from the back of his neck. Later he takes two weeks at home to recover.

2. What can you tell about Frick’s style of living/economic status from the image? Give evidence of this.

He is accustomed to a wealthy lifestyle. Details in the engraving show the luxury of the office—the table with decorated leg, matching chairs, fine quality of his suit, the lamp upon the table, and even the word “Chairman” read backwards upon the door.

3. Who is the man with the gun?

Alexander Berkman, Russian anarchist and friend of Emma Goldman.

4. Why does he want to kill Frick?

He thinks that killing Frick will “get rid of” the root of the problem for the striking workers.

5. How is Frick positioned in relation to the assassin?

His back is towards him.

Frick Explains Article:

1. Why do you think Frick chose the gentleman from the Philadelphia Press to communicate his side of the story of the Homestead Strike?

Students can speculate about this. The question is designed to draw into focus the biases of newspapers depending on their location. Frick might have stood a chance at receiving a more sympathetic ear in Philadelphia (where other wealthy business managers resided and far from the location of the incident).

2. What is the heart of the issue of the strike according to Frick?

It is about control. “It is whether the Carnegie Steel Company or the Amalgamated association shall have absolute control of our plant and business at Homestead.”

3. Frick emphatically states he will not deal with the Amalgamated Association (Union) any more. He cites examples of other non-union works that operate smoothly and “to the greatest advantage of our employes.” What does Frick cite as the “best evidence” these employees are happy with their wage? Do you agree or disagree that this is good evidence? Why?

Frick’s logic is a bit faulty here, since no strikes may also be a result of the fact that these workplaces are not organized.

4. Give the reason Frick stated for sending out Pinkertons. Frick states that “We only wanted them for watchmen to protect our property and see that workmen we would take to Homestead . . . were not interfered with.” He did not feel the local authorities were sufficiently up to the task (based on past similar experiences), and so he hired Pinkertons.

5. Why did Frick refuse to negotiate with Amalgamated officials during the strike?

Frick says to the press that it is because Amalgamated is the source of their problems. It is their followers who were “rioting and destroying …property.”

6. What terminology does Frick use for the strike? How does this terminology show his view point?

Frick calls the strikers “rioters.” This shows his point of view because “rioting” is creating public violence or disturbance, whereas “striking” is a less violent means toward obtaining a goal. Frick also makes the point of calling these men “former workmen” to indicate that they are no longer welcome back into their jobs.

7. How does Frick see the situation being handled? Is he accurate?

He passes on the responsibility to the local authorities, and if too much for them to handle, state militia. It does indeed happen this way, as state militia is called out to maintain the peace.

Note from Carnegie.

1. From where is Carnegie writing? Where is this?

Coworth Park, Sunningdale, Berks. This is in Berkshire County, England.

2. When was this written in relation to the Homestead strike?

It was written on June 10, 1892, approximately one month before the Battle of Homestead (July 6, 1892).

3. To whom is this written? (inferred)

Henry Frick

4. What is the issue at Homestead according to Carnegie’s understanding?

Amalgamated Association is requiring not only higher wages, but more people to run the works. This leads to less profit from the business overall.

5. In the second paragraph, is this a statement or directive?

It could be interpreted as both.

6. Does Carnegie anticipate a struggle with the union? What does he think will ultimately help them win?

Yes, but he thinks the state of the market will help them win the struggle quickly.

7. Based on this brief note, describe Carnegie and Frick’s relationship to one another.

They seem working partners, although at times, Carnegie seems to exert his authority over Frick. Fort Frick Photo:

1. What does placing the fence topped with barbed wire around the property say to the workers?

It sends a message that the managers are not open to negotiations, but rather are preparing for “war.”

2. What does it say about Frick?

He is not afraid to send out a message to past-workers that this is “war.” He will “protect” the property from the strikers and bring in strike breakers.

3. Why did Frick build this fence?

For intimidation of workers and protection of strike-breakers.

4. The workers named the place “Fort Frick” after these additions were constructed. What does the name imply?

The workers are making fun of the extent to which Frick had fortified the works. The workers did not pose a security threat to the plant grounds, since their objective was to simply look out for strike-breakers.