The devil is here in these hills : West Virginia's coal miners and their battle for freedom Cover Image

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The devil is here in these hills : West Virginia's coal miners and their battle for freedom

Green, James R. 1944- (author.).

Summary: From before the dawn of the 20th century until the arrival of the New Deal, one of the most protracted and deadly labor struggles in American history was waged in West Virginia. On one side were powerful corporations whose millions bought armed guards and political influence. On the other side were 50,000 mine workers, the nation's largest labor union, and the legendary "miners' angel," Mother Jones. The fight for unionization and civil rights sparked a political crisis verging on civil war that stretched from the creeks and hollows to the courts and the US Senate. In The Devil is Here in These Hills, celebrated labor historian James Green tells the story of West Virginia and coal like never before.

Record details

ISBN: 9780802123312
ISBN: 0802123317
Physical Description: print
viii, 440 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: New York : Atlantic Monthly Press, [2015]
Copyright: ©2015

Content descriptions

General Note:	Map on lining papers.
Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 363-428) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	Casus Belli, 1890-1911. The great West Virginia Coal Rush -- The miners' angel -- Frank Keeney's Valley -- A spirit of bitter war -- The first mine war, 1912-1918. The Lord has been on our side -- The iron hand -- Let the scales of justice fall -- A new era of freedom -- The second mine war, 1919-1921. A new recklessness -- To serve the masses without fear -- Situation absolutely beyond control -- There can be no peace in West Virginia -- Gather across the river -- Time to lay down the Bible and pick up the rifle -- The peace, 1922-1933. Americanizing West Virginia -- A people made of steel -- More freedom than I ever had.