Copper Country strike of 1913–1914

The Copper Country strike of 1913–1914 was a major strike affecting all copper mines in the Copper Country of Michigan. The strike, organized by the Western Federation of Miners, was the first unionized strike within the Copper Country. It was called to achieve goals of shorter work days, higher wages, union recognition, and to maintain family mining groups. The strike lasted just over nine months, including the Italian Hall disaster on Christmas Eve, and ended with the union being effectively driven out of the Keweenaw Peninsula. While unsuccessful, the strike is considered a turning point in the history of the Copper Country.

Copper Country Strike of 1913–1914
DateJuly 23, 1913 – April 13, 1914
Location
Copper Country, Michigan
GoalsEight-hour day
Higher wages
MethodsStrikes, Protest, Demonstrations
Resulted inVictory for the mining companies and its allies
Parties

Western Federation of Miners

Supported by: American Federation of Labor

Select mining companies of the Copper Country:

Strikebreaking agencies:

  • Waddell-Mahon Corporation
  • Burns Detective Agency
  • Ascher Detective Agency

Other allies of the mining companies and pro-management forces:

  • Citizens' Alliance
  • Houghton County Sheriff's Office
  • Michigan National Guard
Lead figures
Number
14,000
Unknown number of forces
Casualties and losses
Deaths: 83+
Injuries: unknown
Arrests: unknown
Deaths: 1
Injuries: unknown
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