The copper mines of Michigan's Copper Country; in the Upper Peninsula; were active for 150 years; from 1845 until 1995. Many of the mine workers attempted to unionize; in order to obtain better working conditions; wages; and hours. The Michigan miners were unsuccessful in their struggles with mine owners; which came to a climax in the 1913–14 Copper Country Strike. This nine-month battle between workers represented by the Western Federation of Miners (WFM) and the three major mining companies in the region took a particularly nasty turn on Christmas Eve; 1913; at a party for strikers and their families organized by the WFM. As many as 500 people were in the Italian Benevolent Society hall in Calumet; Michigan; when someone reportedly shouted "fire." There was no fire; but it is estimated that 73–79 people; more than 60 of them children; died in the stampede for the exit. Against this dramatic backdrop; Gary Kaunonen tells the story of Finnish immigrants to Copper Country. By examining the written record and material culture of Finnish immigrant proletarians-analyzing buildings; cultural institutions; and publications of the socialist-unionist media—Kaunonen adds a new depth to our understanding of the time and place; the events and a people.
#454264 in Books 2001-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x 1.70 x 6.04l; 2.31 #File Name: 0865972893565 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must have.By Glenn WA must read for anyone who is interested in how our country was founded; and the thoughts of the Founders that helped birth a nation like no other has been before; nor since on this planet. Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Should be required reading by every citizenBy Robert S. WainnerContext is essential to the understanding of anything; much more something so important; complex and essential to life and liberty as out Republican form of government.The Federalist Papers provides both context and explanation that allows for understanding how our government works and why it is exceptional and us equaled in the annals of political history and mankinds attempts to balance justice and freedom while safeguarding against tyranny and despotism.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Back to the Basics of What Made America.By Charlie MacI believe two things about this book.1. This book should be a text book in every middle and high school system in the United States. It would educate today's generations on the thinking of the founding fathers.2; Every adult American citizen should read it and digest the thoughts of these founding fathers. Then use this information as a foundation for study the Constitution of the United States and the history of this nation over the last 238 years.Then; maybe we could better understand what is happening today and work to correct the course of our nation.
