Watch Red Metal: The Copper Country Strike of 1913

Red Metal: The Copper Country Strike of 1913 is a historical documentary film produced by Mark Creekmore and hosted by Michael Kostelnik. The film explores the 1913 strike of copper miners in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, referred to as the Copper Country strike or the Western Federation of Miners strike. The film sets the context for the strike, highlighting the exploitative working conditions of the copper mines and the power dynamics between the miners and the mining companies, particularly in light of the anti-union sentiment of the time. The miners, wanting better wages, safer working conditions, and recognition of their union, went on strike, which lasted from July 23, 1913, to February 1914, making it one of the longest and most significant strikes in American labor history.

The documentary uses rare archival footage and photographs, as well as interviews with historians and descendants of the miners, to provide a glimpse of the events that transpired during the strike. The film presents the perspectives of both the miners and the mining companies, which helps to deepen the understanding of the conflict at the time.

Throughout the film, the story is narrated by Kostelnik, whose calm, authoritative voice guides viewers through the complex events of the strike. He contextualizes the story by providing a thorough background of the copper mines and the history of mining in the region, as well as the broader context of labor relations in the early 20th century.

The documentary also explains the significance of the strike, which was a turning point in the history of labor relations in America. The strike was widely covered in the media, and the film shows how the events of the strike were reported at the time, including the involvement of the National Guard and the deaths of strikers, including children, during a Christmas gathering.

The film highlights the importance of labor unions in fighting for better wages and conditions for workers, and the sacrifices made by the miners during the strike. The film also delves into the social and political implications of the strike, which had far-reaching consequences on American labor relations for years to come.

Overall, Red Metal: The Copper Country Strike of 1913 is a well-researched and engaging documentary that illuminates an important moment in American history. The film's use of rare archival footage and photographs, as well as interviews with historians and descendants of the miners, provides an intimate and powerful look at the events of the strike. The documentary will be of great interest to labor historians, scholars of American history, and anyone interested in social justice and labor rights.

Red Metal: The Copper Country Strike of 1913 is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 55 minutes.