Take the role of a participant in one of the three events. Write a letter explaining why you participated. Use information from your causal analysis of the sources to write your letter. Consider such factors as the conditions faced by workers and the responses of factory owners and the government to union actions. Your letter should be at least 150 words in length.

Question

Homestead Strike

Answer 1

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you as a participant in the Homestead Strike, to explain why I decided to become involved in this important event. As a worker at the Homestead Steel Works, I have endured harsh and dangerous working conditions for years. The lack of safety measures, long hours, and low wages have taken a toll on our physical and mental well-being.

The response of the factory owners to our attempts to improve our conditions has been disheartening. They have consistently ignored our demands for fair wages, shorter workdays, and safer working conditions. Instead, they have resorted to forceful tactics such as the hiring of armed Pinkerton agents to suppress our movement and protect their profit margins.

Furthermore, the government's response to the union actions has been disappointing. In allowing the Pinkerton agents to intervene and protect the interests of the factory owners, they have disregarded the rights and needs of the working class.

I participated in the Homestead Strike because I believe in the power of collective action. By joining forces with my fellow workers and standing up against the exploitative practices of the factory owners, I hope to bring about real change in our working conditions. It is my belief that we deserve fair wages, shorter workdays, and safer working environments.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]