On May 12, 1902, a

group of coal miners

in Pennsylvania voted

to go on strike to win

better working

conditions, pay, and

recognition for their

union.

Over 100,000 men

participated in the

strike.

In response, a force

of strikebreakers was

assembled consisting

of the National

Guard, police, and

private detectives.

Fearing that a coal

strike would cause

shortages and leave

Americans without a

way to heat their

homes during the

winter, President

Theodore Roosevelt

called a meeting with

members of the union

and mine operators

on Oct. 3, 1902.

The strike had been

ongoing for five

months by that time.

Neither the unions or

mine operators were

willing to negotiate a

solution, and the

strike continued.

At the same time, J.P. Morgan (center)--America's top financier and a coal mine owner

himself--proposed a solution in which the government would organize an independent

commission to study the strike and make recommendations. Both the unions and business

leaders agreed, and the strike came to an end after nearly six months on Oct. 23, 1902.

Following the strike and the independent commission's investigation, the miners were awarded

a 10% wage increase and a nine-hour workday.

The Great Coal Strike of 1902 was the first time that the federal government acted as a neutral

arbitrator during a labor dispute--a role it still holds to this day.

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