The Pinkerton Legacy: Labor Conflicts and Controversies

This chapter examines the Pinkerton Detective Agency's evolution from an employee testing service to a controversial force in labor disputes during the late 19th century. It details the agency's involvement in violent confrontations, including the Molly Maguires' struggle for rights and the Homestead Strike of 1892, highlighting the chilling effects of corporate power on labor movements. The narrative also reflects on the lasting impact of the Pinkerton name and its transformation into a symbol of anti-union efforts in American history.