This Day The Frick Near-Assassination (1892)
Jul 24, 2025
On July 24th, 1892, an audacious assassination attempt unfolded as Alexander Berkman targeted industrialist Henry Clay Frick amid the Homestead strike's chaos. The podcast examines Berkman's transition into anarchism and the harsh realities of labor unrest. It highlights the struggles workers faced against corporate oppression and the extreme choices made in desperation. The legacies of both Frick and Berkman are explored, contrasting philanthropy with persecution, while drawing parallels to today's social movements and political violence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Frick: Ruthless Industrialist and Strike Breaker
- Henry Clay Frick was a ruthless strike breaker and industrialist who hated unions deeply.
- He operated with impunity and considered himself above the law, enjoying brutal tactics against workers.
Berkman's Radical Path
- Alexander Berkman was born wealthy in the Russian Empire but became a fierce anarchist in the US.
- He devoted all resources to the cause and rejected all personal pleasures to fight authoritarian regimes.
Homestead Strike: Brutal Conflict
- The 1892 Homestead strike was a brutal conflict where Frick cut wages by 18% and used armed Pinkertons to break the strike.
- Violence escalated with deaths on both sides, making Frick a symbol of industrial oppression and target for anarchists.