A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What significant action did Roosevelt take during the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902?

1. He sided with the mine owners

2. He organized a strike of coal miners

3. He threatened to send troops to work the mines

4. He banned coal mining for the duration of the strike

The correct answer is: He threatened to send troops to work the mines

During the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902, Roosevelt's significant action was to threaten to send federal troops to ensure that the coal mines continued to operate. This strike involved miners demanding higher wages, shorter workdays, and better working conditions, which the mine owners initially refused to negotiate. Roosevelt's intervention marked a pivotal moment in American labor relations, as it was one of the first instances where a president took a neutral stand between labor and management in a significant industrial dispute. By threatening to send troops, Roosevelt aimed to emphasize the importance of maintaining coal production, crucial for heating homes and powering industries during that time. His approach was innovative, as it encouraged the mine owners to come to the negotiating table, thus demonstrating the federal government's increasing role in mediating labor disputes. This action signified a shift in policy, as it highlighted the federal government's growing recognition of the labor movement and the need for balancing the interests of workers and employers.