The Homestead Strike arose from tensions between the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers and the Carnegie Steel Company, which sought to suppress union power. In early July, the company, led by Henry Clay Frick, took drastic measures by announcing wage reductions, prompting union members to strike in defense of their livelihoods. As the situation escalated, Frick attempted to resume production by employing private security forces from the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. On July 6, 1892, armed Pinkerton agents landed by boat and were met by thousands of strikers who had mobilized to prevent their entry into the plant. The confrontation quickly turned violent, with both sides exchanging gunfire. The ensuing battle lasted several hours and left ten people dead, including workers and agents, with many others wounded.

This clash not only highlighted the intense labor struggles of the era but also showcased the lengths to which both sides would go in the battle for workers' rights. The violent outcome of the strike garnered national attention, evoking public sympathy for the strikers and further igniting debates on labor laws and civil rights. This clash became a pivotal moment in labor history, reflecting the often brutal realities of industrial labor relations.