The Battle of Blair Mountain: The Story of America's Largest Labor Uprising

I was interested more in the historical accounts of these turbulent years in the mine wars than I was in the author's thoughts on labor. As an outsider to WV, I have wondered about this era of American history that wasn't even touched on in my schooling. It has stimulated my interest in knowing more about WV history, and especially how outside business money has shaped the political and economic landscape. It also confirms my thoughts that West Virginians are widely misunderstood by historians and the media. Cursory prejudicial thoughts without deep knowledge and understanding has been the norm in looking at West Virginians and Appalachians.

This is an interesting, readable account of an uprising of United Mine Workers members in West Virginia shortly after World War I. It shows how the entire community was affected by the strike, with phone operators taking sides and miners' wives working as nurses. It shows how local politicians took sides, and the role of mercenary forces. The federal government's involvement was also described.

I especially liked the concluding chapter which put the uprising in both its historical and modern-day context.

Shogan gives the history of the West Virginia miners' slow path towards unionization, and then the fierce militarism that followed. He's a bit more sympathetic towards the miners, and does on occasion point out the incompetency of the (then) West Virginia governor during the Battle of Blair Mountain.

It's a good story, although I like the older Thunder in the Mountains a bit better. This book might have been a bit better with a few more pictures and a better map.