Anthracite Coal Strike

The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 was a significant labor dispute between coal miners in Pennsylvania and their employers. The United Mine Workers union, representing miners, demanded better wages, shorter workdays, and improved safety conditions. The strike disrupted coal supplies, leading to a national energy crisis as coal was a primary fuel source. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened, marking a shift in government attitude toward labor relations, by facilitating negotiations. The miners received a wage increase and reduced hours, while the strike highlighted the need for improved labor rights and set a precedent for future labor negotiations.