The Amalgamated Association of Miners (AAM) was formed in 1869 in Lancashire, at a time of increasing industrial conflict in the British coalfields.
[1] The 1870 conference attracted delegates from Wales and Staffordshire, in addition to Lancashire, and established it as a national organisation.
[2] A second major strike in South Wales in 1873 was also successful, while miners in Lancashire saw their wages rise greatly without having to take industrial action.
[3] The last great industrial battle fought by the AAM was in 1874 but Halliday's hardline stance was rejected by the majority of his followers.
[1] It was dissolved at a conference held in Shrewsbury on 24 August, with members advised to join the MNU, and Halliday taking a place on its committee.