What caused the incident at Blair Mountain?

In late August 1921, union miners and coal company supporters clashed near Blair Mountain, West Virginia, in what has been called the largest armed uprising since the Civil War. The Battle of Blair Mountain was the result of years of bitter labor disputes between the miners and coal companies of southern West Virginia.

How many died in Blair Mountain?

There were at least 16 confirmed deaths in the battle, though no one knows exactly how many were killed before the US Army marched in to put a stop to the fighting. The roadside marker and the spent shell casings found in the hillsides are the only reminders at Blair Mountain that this took place.

Why did the United Mine Workers strike?

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. Miners striked for higher wages, shorter workdays, and the recognition of their union.

What was the outcome of the United Mine Workers strike?

The governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania ordered state troops to the mines, and union strikers finally accepted a settlement, abandoning the nonunion miners in Pennsylvania to their fate. Those miners continued to strike for a total of 16 months but were finally starved out.

Who won Blair Mountain?

Mooney makes it quite clear: “We kept in touch with developments through the press reports and by messenger until September 16.” The victory of Blair Mountain is best understood as having three components: The Union was winning militarily, won in the court room, and most importantly, emerged with a leadership cadre …

What ended the Battle of Blair Mountain?

August 25, 1921 – September 2, 1921Battle of Blair Mountain / Period

Were bombs dropped at the Battle of Blair Mountain?

A combination of poison gas and explosive bombs left over from World War I were dropped in several locations near the towns of Jeffery, Sharples and Blair. At least one did not explode and was recovered by the miners; it was used months later to great effect as evidence for the defense during treason and murder trials.

What if the miners won the Battle of Blair Mountain?

No longer would miners endure evictions, beatings, and even killings for daring to speak their minds. The Union provided hope that the freedom and dignity won for the Europeans in the Great War could now become reality to the miners of southern West Virginia.

How did the coal wars end?

While miners shot at their opponents, private planes organized by the coal companies’ defensive militia dropped bleach and shrapnel bombs on the union’s headquarters. The battle only stopped when federal troops arrived on the order of President Warren Harding.