Joe's Last Stand: The Battle of Blair Mountain
Joe's Last Stand: The Battle of Blair Mountain
Joe’s Last Stand follows Joe, a courageous and determined young miner in the 1920’s West Virginia coalfields. After serving in World War I, Joe sought to provide for his family by becoming a miner, but the injustices that the mine companies perpetrated against him and his fellow miners were too great. Can Joe organize his community to fight back against the rich and powerful coal companies? Joe’s Last Stand focuses on the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, which was the largest labor uprising in U.S. history. They were fighting for union rights, better working conditions, and to free imprisoned miners, but were met with heavy resistance, including machine guns and aerial bombings. Despite the miners’ eventual surrender, the Battle of Blair Mountain was a key moment in the labor movement. After reading this book, you will know the story of the Battle of Blair Mountain, understand its significance in the history of labor rights, and be able to connect its themes to broader questions of justice, fairness, and collective action.
Details
28-page book
2 historian interviews
15 workbook questions
For grades 7-12
