What was one outcome of Roosevelt's handling of the 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike?

• A. Ten percent wage increase and a nine-hour workday
• B. Nationalization of coal mines
• C. Unconditional union dissolution
• D. No change to wages

Answer: (A)

Roosevelt’s handling of the 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike demonstrates the use of federal mediation to balance labor and business interests and protect the public welfare. He stepped in not to side with workers or owners, but to push for a negotiated settlement through arbitration. The outcome was a compromise that gave miners about a ten percent wage increase and a nine-hour workday, achieved through the action of the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission. This event shows how the president could leverage federal influence to avert a damaging shutdown while promoting limited concessions from employers. Nationalization of mines, dissolving unions, or no wage change did not occur.