This term designates a clandestine organization of Irish immigrant coal miners in Pennsylvania during the mid-to-late 19th century. Facing perilous working conditions, low wages, and discriminatory treatment, these individuals resorted to acts of sabotage, intimidation, and violence to protest the perceived injustices. Their activities, often shrouded in secrecy, aimed to improve their socio-economic standing and challenge the power of the mine owners and operators.
Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for Advanced Placement United States History students as it highlights themes of labor unrest, ethnic tensions, and the struggles faced by immigrant communities during the Industrial Revolution. It provides a specific example of working-class resistance to exploitative practices and sheds light on the complex dynamics between labor, capital, and law enforcement in the post-Civil War era. Studying this topic fosters critical thinking about the effectiveness and ethical implications of different forms of protest and the long-term impact of these events on the American labor movement.
