Teddy Defeats Coal StrikeIn 1902, the United Mine Workers of America in the anthracite coal fields were fed up with their poor working conditions and decided to amass a massive strike. They wanted increased pay and recognition along with decreased work hours. This strike threatened to wreak havoc as this temporary stoppage of work nearly shut down the fuel supply of major cities. President Theodore Roosevelt then threatened to send military forces to operate the coal mines, and the miners then settled with 10% pay increase and decreased work hours. Roosevelt narrowly, but cleverly, avoided a national catastrophe.
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