ABSTRACT
Throughout the nineteenth century, coal mining in America was strongly influenced by British coal miners. By 1750 coal mining was an established industry in the British Isles. As the coal industry began to expand in America, an ever increasing number of English miners emigrated. These miners brought with them many convictions about the industry and proven mining techniques developed in the Old World. The British miners brought with them the experience needed to open and operate coal mines. British miners, who brought with them the skills needed to mine coal, also brought ideas and values fostered in England. As early as 1850, "British miners had become strong advocates of trade unions, a conviction that they continued to support in the United States. When the British miners emigrated to America, they carried with them the fight for shorter hours, better working conditions, and increased pay.
