Final answer:
The treatment of workers by the Carnegie Steel Company, particularly during the management of Henry C. Frick, led to the Homestead Act, which aimed to incentivize Northerners to settle and farm in the western territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of workers by the Carnegie Steel Company under the management of Henry C. Frick led to the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act was passed by the Republicans in Congress in 1862 providing inducements for Northerners to relocate and farm in the western territories. The Act was passed with an objective of keeping slavery out of the newly settled western territories.
Carnegie was a long-time supporter of fair wages for his employees, but when he left for Scotland and entrusted Frick to manage negotiations, the situation changed. Frick, known for his strong anti-union stance, ordered a lockout of the workers when no settlement was reached, and violence ensued. These events led to anti-union public sentiment and further catalyzed legislation such as the Homestead Act.
Learn more about Homestead Act