What was the primary goal of mine workers' strikes?
a. to stop poor pay and dangerous working conditions
b. to open new land to mining operations
c. to reduce regulations on mining practices
d. to advocate for more settlement of the territory

Explanation:

The best (and maybe the only answer) is A.

Working conditions were horrid. There were many instances of natural gas leaks and falling tunnels. A good movie (though very old) is "How Green was My Valley." Look for the mother's speech. You might find it a bit soppy, but it does address the problem of working conditions.

Same movie deals with the other half of the problem. One of the brothers in the family died in one of the accidents. The youngest -- Hugh -- who also tells the story, goes to live with her so that his pay could support her. He was 11 at the time. But they were desperate. Think of an 11 year old going down into a dangerious mine now. It's unheard of.