Steel Industry in Pittsburgh

Summary

In the late 19th century, the steel industry revolutionized America's infrastructure, with Andrew Carnegie emerging as a key figure. Starting from humble beginnings, Carnegie rose to become the richest man in the world by controlling the steel mills in Pittsburgh. His Homestead Works became a technological marvel, yet life for workers was harsh, with 12-hour shifts, low pay, and dangerous conditions. Despite the grueling work, Carnegie's efforts to dismantle the union at Homestead marked a significant chapter in the Gilded Age's industrial landscape.

Takeaways

• 🏭 Andrew Carnegie was a key figure in the late 19th-century steel industry, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the world's richest men.
• 🌐 Carnegie recognized the central role of steel in industries such as railroads, telegraph, and bridge building, leading him to invest heavily in steel operations.
• 🏗️ Carnegie's first steel mill, the Edgar Thompson Works, was established in 1875, marking the beginning of his steel empire.
• 🛠️ The Homestead Works, purchased by Carnegie in 1883, became a massive complex and a technologically advanced mill, leading the nation in steel production.
• 🏙️ Pittsburgh was the center of Carnegie's steel operations, with the industry shaping the city's landscape and economy.
• 🌡️ Working conditions at the Homestead Works were harsh, with workers enduring long hours, low pay, and dangerous, sweltering environments.
• 🏡 The living conditions near the mill were poor, with workers residing in small flats that lacked basic amenities like indoor plumbing.
• 🔧 Carnegie's strategy to dominate the steel industry involved controlling the base element of steel, which he saw as the key to controlling related industries.
• ⚙️ Technological advancements at Homestead Works made it a model of efficiency and productivity, despite the grueling work conditions.
• 👷 The workforce at Homestead was diverse, with skilled workers primarily from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England, many of whom were members of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers.
• ⚖️ Carnegie's acquisition of Homestead Works included dealing with a well-organized union, which he aimed to dismantle to assert control over the mill.

Q & A

Who were the key figures in the rise of the steel industry during the Gilded Age?

Andrew Carnegie was one of the key figures in the rise of the steel industry during the Gilded Age. He revolutionized steel production and became the richest man in the world.

What was Andrew Carnegie’s background before entering the steel industry?

Andrew Carnegie was born into a poor Scottish immigrant family. He worked his way up from a $1.20-per-week job at a weaving mill to a railroad executive before entering the steel industry.

What realization led Carnegie to focus on steel production?

Carnegie realized that steel was a common element in many industries like railroads, telegraphs, and bridge building. He understood that controlling steel production meant controlling these industries.

What was Carnegie’s first steel mill, and when was it established?

Carnegie's first steel mill was the Edgar Thompson Works, which he established in 1875.

How did Carnegie expand his steel empire after opening his first mill?

Carnegie expanded his steel empire by purchasing steel operations throughout the Pittsburgh area and winning contracts, including providing steel for New York’s elevated railways and the Brooklyn Bridge.

What role did the Homestead Works play in Carnegie’s steel empire?

The Homestead Works became the jewel of Carnegie’s steel empire, known for producing boiler and armor plates as well as I-beams, and leading the nation in rolled steel production.

What were the working conditions like for steelworkers at Homestead?

Working conditions at Homestead were harsh, with workers putting in 7-day weeks and 12-hour shifts. Every two weeks, they had to work a 24-hour straight shift, often earning less than $2.50 per day.

What were the living conditions for the workers in the Homestead area?

The workers lived in small flats with no indoor plumbing, and the area was prone to sewage issues when it rained. Winters were freezing, and summers were unbearably hot due to the heat from the furnaces.

How did the environment around Pittsburgh compare to Hell according to observers?

Pittsburgh in the 19th century was frequently compared to Hell because of the dark and smoky skies caused by the steel mills, and entering a mill was described as a dangerous and overwhelming experience.

Which union did the workers at Homestead belong to, and what was its significance?

Many workers at Homestead were part of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, the largest steel union in the nation, with over 20,000 members. This union was highly organized and played a significant role in the labor movement.