The History of Helena as Montana's Capital and Labor Struggles in Butte

I. Introduction

• Discussion on Helena vs. Anaconda as capital cities
• Role of the Copper Kings: Clark and Marcus Daly

II. Origins of Helena as Capital

• Helena was voted the capital over Anaconda
• Anaconda had heavy influence from the Anaconda Company
• Copper Kings: Clark supported Helena; Daly supported Anaconda

III. Election Controversy (1892-1894)

• 1892: Statewide vote with no majority; led to 1894 runoff
• Communties of color: African American newspapers in Helena and Butte
• 1894: Final runoff, Helena vs. Anaconda
• Clark (Helena) and Daly (Anaconda) influence through heavy spending and media
• Helena won by fewer than 2,000 votes, despite controversy over ballot fairness

IV. Broader Context of Diversity and Copper Influence

• Ethnic diversity in the 1890s: Chinese, Irish, African Americans
• Economic composition: mining and labor significance

V. The Great Butte Miner Strike of 1917

• Background: Conflicts since 1914, rise of John D. Ryan and new challenges
• 1914 rift: refusal to support socialist Finnish miners
• Events of June 8, 1917: Speculator Mine fire; significant loss of life
• Metal Mine Workers Union demands: wage increases, safety protocols
• Corporations' refusal to negotiate; strike declared

VI. Impact of World War I

• Federal government aligned with corporations to preserve production
• Strike suppression through propaganda and military involvement
• Legislative actions: Montana Sedition Act

VII. Conclusion

• Long-term effects on labor movements and Montana's political landscape
• Enduring legacy and memory of the Butte miners and unions