The anthracite coal strike mayoctober 1902 began after mine operators refused to meet with representatives of the united mine workers of america. The industry, still smarting from its concessions in 1900, opposed any federal role. Pennsylvanias bituminous coal industry was born about 1760 on coal hill, now. The coal strike of 1902 also known as the anthracite coal strike was a strike by the united mine workers of america in the anthracite coalfields of eastern pennsylvania. Media in category coal strike of 1902 the following 4 files are in this category, out of 4 total.
Tr plays a key role in settling the anthracite coal strike. Pennsylvania anthracite coal workers strike for better wages and working conditions, 1902. When the two sides refused to negotiate, he threatened to use soldiers to man. President theodore roosevelt initially invited the coal miners union representatives and the mine owners to meet to settle the coal strike of 1902 because the nation needed coal to provide heat in the coming winter. The miners fought for higher pay, shorter days, and recognition from their union. The federal government, with the commissioner of labor in a fact finding role, acted as a neutral for the first time in contributing to settlement of the bitter coal. The anthracite coal strike of 1902 resulted in a victory for the hardcoal miners with a 10% increase in wages and an hours reduction in their working day. The strike threatened to shut down the winter fuel supply to major american cities. Wright summarizes the events of the 1902 anthracite coal strike.
This book and a copy of the chapter are on reserve in the main library for the autumn 1999 quarter. The political climate had changed between the coal strikes of 1900 and 1902. Anthraciteor hard coalwas solid and rich in carbon, ideal for industrial and domestic use. Anthracite coal strike of 1902 for kids theodore roosevelt was the 26th american president who served in office from september 14, 1901 to march 4, 1909. Price movements this year recent decline probably due partly to discounting of possible coal strike. Read about the strike and the presidents intervention, and check your understanding with. The 150,000 miners wanted their weekly pay envelope. The aflcio labor history timeline highlights the key events and the people who. The 1897 bituminous coal strike had several results.
It was settled when roosevelt got involved in the negotiations. Coal culture timeline coal culture projects special collections. The coal mining massacre america forgot the mountains of southern west virginia are riddled with coaland bullets child coal miners with mules in gary, west virginia in 1908. Cd baby sync publishing, ascap, bmi broadcast music inc. Report to the president on the anthracite coal strike of. Learn how teddy roosevelt saved the day in mediating an end to the anthracite coal miners strike of 1902. Report to the president on the anthracite coal strike of mayoctober, 1902 by united states. Why was the 1902 coal strike significant in us history. A great strike in the anthracite coal fields of pennsylvania threatened a coal famine. See the article in its original context from may 19, 1902, page 8 buy reprints. Services to the needy included training programs for persons seeking. Miners struck for higher wages, shorter workdays, and the recognition of their union. The coal strike of 1902 was a strike by the united mine workers of america in the anthracite coal fields of eastern pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania anthracite coal workers strike for better wages and. On friday, october 3, 1902, president theodore roosevelt called a precedentshattering meeting at the temporary white house at 22 lafayette place, washington, d. Publication date 1903 topics anthracite coal strike, pa. The history of bituminous coal mining in central and western pennsylvania spans. The coal strike of 1902 was a strike by the united mine workers of america in the anthracite coalfields of eastern pennsylvania. The anthracite coal strike of 1902 was significant because it was the first time in american history that the president took direct, nonmilitant action.
During this time, many changes were made to american society. Chronology of the anthracite coal strike of 1902 ehistory. Harbaugh, the life and times of theodore roosevelt new york. Coal strike of 1902 there was a coal miner strike in 1902 from may to october.
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