Final answer:
The coal mining industry contributed to the development of communities in Indian Territory by providing employment opportunities, but also had negative consequences such as dangerous working conditions and economic exploitation by coal companies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coal mining industry played a significant role in the development of communities in Indian Territory. In places like West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, coal mining provided employment opportunities that allowed families to stay in the region. However, the industry also had negative consequences, such as dangerous working conditions and economic exploitation by coal companies.
Coal mining towns often owned by the coal companies themselves, leading to a high degree of control over housing, stores, and services. Miners were sometimes paid with company scrip, which limited their purchasing options to company-owned stores. While coal miners were able to negotiate for better wages and benefits through strikes, mine safety issues persisted.
Overall, while coal mining brought economic activity and employment to Indian Territory, the resulting economic benefits were often limited to the coal companies and did not lead to broader economic diversification or long-term community development.