Race and the West Virginia Mine Wars

Season 28 Episode 2

"There were more black miners in West Virginia than anywhere else in the nation."

To meet the growing demand for coal in the early 20th century, West Virginia companies needed more miners. African Americans mixed with European immigrants and native Appalachians in the mines and the coal towns. Coal operators felt that diversity would keep unionization at bay.

AIR DATE 1/26/16

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Race and the West Virginia Mine Wars

Coal Towns, from The Mine Wars

The Mine Wars, Chapter 1

About Mine Wars: American Experience

The story of small people going up against very big forces for a better nation. In the first two decades of the 20th century, coal miners and coal companies in West Virginia clashed in a series of brutal conflicts over labor conditions and unionization.

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