Question

How did roosevelt intercede in the anthracite coal strike of 1902?

Answer 1

The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 was a major labor dispute in the United States between the anthracite coal miners and the mine owners. President Theodore Roosevelt played a significant role in resolving the strike through his direct intervention. Here's how Roosevelt interceded in the strike:

1. Appointment of the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission: In October 1902, as the strike was escalating and threatening the nation's coal supply during the approaching winter, President Roosevelt intervened by appointing a fact-finding commission known as the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission. The commission was tasked with investigating the conditions of the strike and making recommendations for a resolution.

2. Threatened Government Control of the Mines: To exert pressure on both the coal miners and the mine owners, President Roosevelt made it clear that if they failed to reach a settlement, the federal government would take control of the coal mines. This threat was significant, as it would have been an unprecedented level of government intervention in labor disputes.

3. Negotiations and Arbitration: The Anthracite Coal Strike Commission held hearings and facilitated negotiations between the United Mine Workers (UMW) union and the mine owners. Roosevelt encouraged both parties to work towards a fair resolution. When negotiations reached an impasse, he proposed that the dispute be settled through binding arbitration.

4. Acceptance of Arbitration: After considerable pressure from President Roosevelt and fearing the consequences of government control, the mine owners eventually agreed to accept the arbitration process. The United Mine Workers also agreed to abide by the arbitration decision.

5. The Settlement: In March 1903, the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission issued its decision, known as the "Roosevelt Compromise." The decision granted the coal miners higher wages, reduced working hours, and improved working conditions. It also established a commission to address ongoing labor disputes in the coal industry.

Roosevelt's intervention in the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 helped bring an end to the strike and secured improved conditions for the coal miners. It also demonstrated his willingness as President to intervene in labor disputes and uphold the interests of workers while maintaining stability and avoiding prolonged disruptions to the nation's economy.

Answer 2

Answer and Explanation:

The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 was one of America’s largest industrial strikes and threatened a national coal shortage. The unions were willing to negotiate but the coal miners refused to participate in the conciliation process until President Roosevelt intervened.

Roosevelt called a precedent-shattering meeting at the temporary White House at 22 Lafayette Place, Washington, D.C. on Friday, October 3, 19022. He appointed a fact-finding commission that suspended the strike for a few months and created a precedent for federal intervention in labor disputes. The commission appointed by Roosevelt to resolve the dispute was photographed by William H. Rau.

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