ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Coal strike of 1902

Okay kiddo, so in 1902 there was a big problem with coal. We need coal to make electricity and heat our homes, but the people who work in the coal mines were not being treated fairly. They were working really long hours in dangerous conditions and not getting paid enough.

Now, when workers are not happy with their job, they may decide to go on strike. That means they stop working until their bosses agree to make things better for them. And that’s exactly what happened in 1902.

But this wasn’t just any strike, it was a coal strike. That means everyone who needs coal to do their jobs also stopped working. That includes people who use trains, factories, and other important things.

The country was in big trouble because we didn’t have enough coal and things started shutting down. People were getting very upset because they needed electricity and heat.

That’s when the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, decided to step in and help. He called the workers and the bosses to a meeting in the White House, which is where the President lives.

After a lot of talking, they finally came to an agreement. The workers would get better wages and shorter work hours, and bosses would be able to make sure they didn’t lose too much money.

And that’s how the coal strike of 1902 ended. It was a difficult time, but with the help of a great leader, everyone was able to come together and find a solution.