Battle of Evarts

The coal miners desired improved working conditions, higher wages, and more housing options for their families.

Opposing the miners were the heavily armed private "police" ordered by the company to break up the strike, while other associations chose not to become involved.

[2] The United Mine Workers of America, or UMWA, considered helping the miners, but once it realized the amount of resources required, decided not to offer support.

The company had ordered a motorcade to drive to Harlan to deliver goods to the 'Scabs' (non-union miners who had been hired to replace those on strike) there.

The factors that led to the Battle of Evarts included mine conditions, pay, and independence from the coal company as well as hunger, desperation, and intrigue.

[6] After about a month and a half of strikes, workers reported back on June 17 because of unresponsive negotiation-partners and starvation due to having no money to spend on food.