#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.
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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.
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
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