How has the Coal Mining Wars changed the way blue collar workers in America are treated today?- Throughout the societal ideologies in West Virginia, there is none as influential as the Coal Wars. It gave blue collared workers the identity of hard working, toughness and grittiness. The Mining Wars is known by all educated West Virginians, and has a sort of morale boost when we hear someone working in the mining industry. Needless to say, the Coal Wars created a culture that only some Regions of the United States can relate to.
What major events led up to the Mining Wars, what made these events so crucial? - The Mining Wars were a result of non representation for Coal Miners. There was no true workers Union, who had the workers' health and rights at heart. It became so bad, that the Mining companies controlled the housing and stores where they bought their food. Thus creating a whole economy of people based on a singular entity. Miners became enraged and their rights as basic Americans were being infringed upon. They were in some ways trapped in indentured servitude, based on their ability to not leave, due to economic reasons. Miners became enraged, and organized in masses. The first showdown was in Matewan, May 19, 1920. There was, on one side, a pro-union Sheriff and Mayor. While on the other Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency. A shootout began leaving seven detectives, two miners, and the Mayor dead within fifteen minutes.
As West Virginians how do we view this topic?- As West Virginians, we look at this topic with anger and rage. We see how our fellow West Virginians were treated in the past. Thus creating an anger and dehumanization for people like carpetbaggers and Expansive companies.
How did their fight for justice then, resemble those of today?- Miners then had the same hardships and dehumanization as the BLM protests around the country. Both events related to men and women wanting to create a better life and society for their children. We are all much more similar than what society tries to paint us as.
How have we, as Americans, learned from the Coal Mining Wars ? - We’ve learned to create Workers Unions so that workers may have a voice throughout their company. It also set the framework for organizations like OSHA. To regulate the workspace, allowing for less injuries and deaths. We, as a society have become more educated on proper work environments, and we will not allow another company to dehumanize Americans to make profits.
Part C (Summary)
By studying and investigating the mining wars, I can conclude that this occurrence is the result of a developing and booming economy. We as American people do whatever it takes to become global powerhouses and economic beasts. Due to working ideologies and economic factors, events like the Mining wars can take place. Dehumanization has been a constant theme throughout the extensive history of the United States. Concluding, as a society we are more educated than ever before, and we will not allow ourselves to create more oppressive and dehumanizing occurrences on American soil.