Coal Mine Wars (PBS American Experience):
A documentary that chronicles the struggles of the miners in southern West Virginia and
the beginning of the 20 th Century to join the United Mine Workers Union. Excellent production
values so it’s easy to watch. The story brings out colorful characters and an actual shooting
“war” between coal mine owners and the coal miners.
(Stream through PBS, Amazon, and by one report, available on YouTube)

1. Why did you pick this film?
2. Provide a (short) synopsis of the film. Three to five sentences should be sufficient.
3. Was there a fact or incident you learned about for the first time while watching the
film? Please describe the fact or incident.
4. Pick a character or an event depicted in the film that or who really caught your
attention and interest. Whether positive or negative, what was it about the
character or about the event that impressed you?
5. In what way did the film support what you are learning in Business Law? Or, on the
contrary, if the film contradicts something in the Business Law class, please explain
the contradiction and provide a brief explanation.
6. Do you think the filmmaker expressed a particular position through the film? If so,
please provide what you consider to be the filmmaker’s “argument” and state
whether you agree or disagree with it. Why.