- Lack of Intervention: The federal government refrained from direct involvement in the strike. President Benjamin Harrison, who was in office at the time, believed in laissez-faire policies and felt that the dispute should be resolved between the workers and the company without government interference.
Pennsylvania National Guard:
- Deployment: The governor of Pennsylvania, Robert Pattison, deployed the state's National Guard to Homestead. The initial purpose of the deployment was to maintain order and protect property.
- Use of Force: However, the National Guard's presence escalated tensions. The guardsmen clashed with the strikers, resulting in violence and fatalities. The deployment of the National Guard was criticized for its heavy-handed approach and for siding with the company rather than acting impartially.
Local Law Enforcement:
- Limited Effectiveness: The local law enforcement agencies in Homestead were overwhelmed by the scale of the strike and the resulting disruptions. They were unable to maintain control and prevent violence effectively.
- Collaboration with Pinkerton Agency: The local authorities collaborated with the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, which had been hired by Carnegie Steel Company to provide security. This collaboration further fueled tensions between the strikers and law enforcement.
In summary, the government's role in the Homestead Strike of 1892 was limited and mostly reactive. The federal government's laissez-faire approach allowed for the escalation of tensions, while the local authorities struggled to maintain order. The deployment of the Pennsylvania National Guard led to violence and deepened divisions between the workers and the government.