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John L. Lewis, 1880-1969
Labor leader John L. Lewis spent his career fighting for higher wages and workers' rights. As president of the United Mine Workers of American from 1920 to 1960, he was instrumental in elevating the political and economic standing of his constituents. Lewis also played a leading role in the founding of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1935. Although many lionized him, he was often criticized, especially in 1943, when he led 500,000 mine workers on strike during the height of World War II. The action outraged the public and forced President Franklin Roosevelt to seize control of the mines.
Max Kalish |