Answer:
Andrew Carnegie's desire to get rid of the union at Homestead primarily stemmed from his belief in the principles of capitalism and his desire to maintain control and profitability within his steel company. Several reasons contributed to Carnegie's stance:
1. **Management Philosophy**: Carnegie believed in the efficiency of capitalism and advocated for minimal government intervention in business affairs. He saw unions as impediments to the free market and believed that labor disputes should be resolved through negotiation and market forces rather than collective bargaining.
2. **Labor Costs**: The union at Homestead, particularly the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, demanded higher wages and better working conditions for the workers. Carnegie viewed these demands as threats to his company's profitability and sought to reduce labor costs by breaking the union.
3. **Control and Autonomy**: Carnegie valued control and autonomy over his business operations. He saw unions as challenging his authority and interfering with his ability to manage his company as he saw fit. By eliminating the union, Carnegie aimed to consolidate his power and maintain control over labor relations at Homestead.
4. **Conflict and Disruption**: The labor dispute at Homestead resulted in significant conflict and disruption, including violence and strikes. Carnegie perceived the union as a source of instability and unrest within his company, which threatened productivity and profitability. Removing the union was seen as a means to restore peace and stability to the workplace.
In summary, Carnegie's desire to get rid of the union at Homestead was driven by his commitment to capitalist principles, his concern for maintaining control and profitability, and his perception of unions as obstacles to business success.
