What is the primary role of the Pinkertons during the strike?

• A. To organize the workers
• B. To provide security for the company
• C. To negotiate a truce
• D. To arrest the strike leaders

Answer: (B)

The primary role of the Pinkertons during the strike was to provide security for the company. The Pinkerton National Detective Agency was often hired by businesses to protect their interests, especially during labor disputes, where tensions between management and workers could escalate.

In the context of the strike, the Pinkertons were utilized to maintain order and protect property, often by intimidating workers and suppressing protests. Their involvement typically aligned with the company's interests, which often created further conflict with striking workers. They were not involved in organizing the workers or negotiating terms; their focus was on reinforcing the company's stance and ensuring that operations could continue, often through confrontational means. This role highlights the historical tension between labor organizations and the interests of industrial corporations during this period in American history.