What essential aim did the Andrew Carnegie steel mill's Homestead Strike relate to?

The Homestead Strike, which took place in 1892 at Andrew Carnegie's steel mill, primarily revolved around the workers' demand for union recognition. The conflict arose when the management, particularly Henry Clay Frick, attempted to break the steelworkers' union, the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, in order to reduce wage costs and increase control over the workforce.

The union had negotiated contracts that provided better wages and working conditions, but when Frick wanted to cut costs by lowering wages and eliminating the union’s influence, the workers took a stand. This led to a pivotal strike that highlighted the struggles between labor unions seeking to secure their rights and employers wanting to maximize profits by undermining collective bargaining efforts.

In this context, while issues of wage increases and working conditions did play roles in the strike, the essential aim was rooted in the recognition and rights of the union itself, which were vital to the workers' ability to negotiate collectively and maintain their livelihoods.