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Arizona Labor Management War of 1901-1921: A Pivotal Era in Industrial Relations

Curtis Stewart

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Published in Forging The Copper Collar: Arizona S Labor Management War Of 1901 1921 (Century Collection)

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The tumultuous early 20th century in Arizona was marked by a bitter conflict between labor unions and management, known as the Arizona Labor Management War. This era, spanning from 1901 to 1921, witnessed a series of violent strikes, boycotts, and political battles that reshaped the state's industrial landscape.

Origins of the Conflict:

Forging the Copper Collar: Arizona's Labor-Management War of 1901–1921 (Century Collection)

by James W. Byrkit

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	452 pages

The seeds of the Arizona Labor Management War were sown in the rapid industrial development of the state at the turn of the century. Mining, copper smelting, and railroad construction boomed, attracting a large influx of workers. However, these workers faced abysmal working conditions, low wages, and a lack of basic rights.

In response, workers began organizing unions to demand better treatment. Led by the Western Federation of Miners (WFM) and other labor groups, they fought for an eight-hour workday, higher wages, and improved safety measures.

Escalating Violence:

Management resisted these demands, often employing armed guards and strikebreakers to suppress unionization efforts. Gewalt eskalierte soon, as both sides resorted to violence. Strikers were beaten, jailed, and even killed. Management, in turn, deployed armed forces to protect its interests.

Notable events of this period include the Bisbee Deportation (1917),where 1,200 striking miners were forcibly removed from the state, and the Morenci Massacre (1918),where 11 striking miners were killed by company guards.

Political Intervention:

As the conflict intensified, the Arizona state government became embroiled in the struggle. Governors and legislators swung between support for labor and sympathy for management, often siding with the latter. This political interference further fueled the hostilities.

End of the War and Legacy:

The Arizona Labor Management War reached a turning point in 1921, when the WFM was weakened by internal divisions and government suppression. The union's influence declined, and the labor movement in Arizona entered a period of relative dormancy.

However, the legacy of the war continued to shape Arizona's industrial relations. The conflict highlighted the deep-seated tensions between labor and management, and led to increased government involvement in labor disputes.

Historical Significance:

The Arizona Labor Management War of 1901-1921 is a significant chapter in American labor history. It showcases the challenges and struggles faced by workers in the early 20th century, and the role of violence and political intervention in shaping industrial relations.

The war also sheds light on the resilience of the labor movement, and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights.

Book Description:

"Arizona Labor Management War of 1901-1921: A Century Collection" is a comprehensive examination of this pivotal era in Arizona history. This book delves into the causes, events, and consequences of the war, using primary sources, historical accounts, and expert analysis.

Through detailed narratives, gripping archival images, and insightful commentary, this book offers a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between labor and management, the role of the state, and the enduring impact of this conflict.

This book is essential reading for:

Historians of American labor
Scholars of Arizona history
Students of industrial relations
Anyone interested in the history of labor struggles

"Arizona Labor Management War of 1901-1921: A Century Collection" is a valuable addition to any library on American labor history and Arizona history.