#OTD20 | September 23, 1952

The Start of the Colorado Coalfield War

September 23, 1913: Miners in the Colorado coalfields go on strike, marking the onset of the Colorado Coalfield War.

On this fateful day, over 11,000 miners take a stand against inhumane working conditions and low wages, igniting a conflict that lasts until December 1914. The strike is met with fierce opposition from coal operators and ultimately involves state militia and federal troops.

The situation escalates into violence, leading to the tragic Ludlow Massacre, where striking miners and their families suffer devastating losses. Despite its grim outcome, the Coalfield War prompts national outrage and becomes a catalyst for labor reforms.

This dark chapter in American history underscores the lengths to which workers will go to fight for their rights, as well as the profound social impact of labor struggles.

Viewing Options

The Colorado Coalfield War is set within the context of the early twentieth century reform movement. Our program, "The Progressive Era," is the finest treatment of this important era.

Preview

Preview short excerpts from "The Progressive Era."

Stream

View "The Progressive Era" in our members-only Streaming Room™.

Subscribe

Explore subscription plans for our premium content portal, the Streaming Room™.

Additional Resources

Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.

PBS

Learn more about the 1914 Ludlow Massacre, a part of the Colorado Coalfield War, on the PBS website.

Library of Congress

Explore a LOC research guide for the Colorado Coalfield War.

Spanish Peaks Country

Read about the Ludlow Massacre and the Colorado Coalfield War at the Spanish Peaks Country website.

#OTD20

Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.

President Harry Truman smiling and holding up the Chicago Daily Tribune newspaper with the incorrect headline "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN.

November 2, 1948: Truman Defeats Dewey

#OTD20 — November 2, 1948: President Harry Truman defeats Thomas Dewey of New York in one of history’s most shocking political upsets.

Read More
A flak-damaged Sea Venom aircraft with campaign markings on the deck of HMS Eagle, with crew members nearby, following a sortie over Egypt in November 1956.

October 31, 1956: Suez Crisis Escalates as UK and France Launch Operation Musketeer

#OTD20 — October 31, 1956: The Suez Crisis escalates as the UK and France launch Operation Musketeer to recapture control of the Suez Canal.

Read More
Vintage poster illustrating the Lend-Lease Act, featuring the flags of the U.S., the U.K., the Soviet Union, and China, along with an image of a military tank.

October 30, 1941: Roosevelt Approves $1 Billion Lend-Lease Aid to Britain

#OTD20 — October 30, 1941: President Roosevelt makes approves $1 billion in Lend-Lease aid to Britain, demonstrating U.S. support for the Allies during WWII.

Read More
Colorized photo of Dr. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho walking side by side, with Tho waving to onlookers.

October 26, 1955: Ngo Dinh Diem Proclaims Republic of Vietnam

#OTD20 — October 26, 1955: Ngo Dinh Diem proclaims the establishment of the Republic of Vietnam, appointing himself as its inaugural president.

Read More
Vladimir Lenin, with his hat in hand, addressing a large crowd in Petrograd.

Bolshevik Revolution — October 25, 1917 (O.S.)

#OTD20 — October 25, 1917: Explore the 1917 October Bolshevik Revolution in Russia that ushered in Soviet rule and laid the groundwork for the Cold War.

Read More
Hungarian revolutionaries standing atop a tank, waving their flag in a crowded square with a historic building in the backdrop.

1956 Hungarian Uprising: The Battle for Freedom October 23 | #OTD20

#OTD20 — October 23, 1956: The Hungarian Uprising begins when mass demonstrations escalate to open revolt and Soviet occupation.

Read More
Customers and staff in a 1960s electronics store stop to watch President John F. Kennedy on television as he addresses the nation about the Cuban Missile Crisis.

October 22, 1962: JFK Address Nation on Missiles in Cuba

#OTD20 — October 22, 1962: JFK addresses the nation on the Soviet missile buildup in Cuba, leading to the gravest moment in the Cold War.

Read More
Group of 1940s Hollywood celebrities and film industry professionals gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

The HUAC Hearings: The Red Scare Comes to Hollywood | #OTD20

#OTD20 — October 20, 1947: The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) begins its controversial hearings into alleged Communist infiltration of Hollywood.

Read More
Gas station with closed pumps and a sign reading 'PUMPS CLOSED' during the 1973 OPEC oil embargo.

October 17, 1973: OPEC Oil Embargo – America’s Energy Wake-Up Call

The 1973 OPEC Oil Embargo triggers gasoline shortages and rationing in the U.S., prompting a reevaluation of the nation’s energy policies.

Read More
Colorized photo of Dr. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho walking side by side, with Tho waving to onlookers.

October 16, 1973: Kissinger and Tho Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

#OTD20 — October 14, 1946: Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their diplomatic efforts in the Paris peace accord.

Read More
Protesters marching with a large sign that reads: 'end the war now. send the troops home' during the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam.

October 15, 1945: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam – A Day of Nationwide Protests

#OTD20 — October 15, 1969: Hundreds of thousands across the U.S. unite in a massive protest against the Vietnam War.

Read More
Young lady smiling at a sign in a storefront window that reads 'United States Controlled Prices... This store is enlisted'.

October 14, 1946: Truman Lifts Price Controls on Meat

#OTD20 — October 10, 1986: President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik to discuss arms control. Despite high hopes, they leave without no major agreements.

Read More

Remarkably social