The Cripple Creek miners' strike was a pivotal labor conflict that erupted in the gold mining region of Cripple Creek, Colorado, during a period marked by economic hardship and labor unrest. Triggered by wage cuts and deteriorating working conditions, miners affiliated with the Western Federation of Miners rallied together to demand better pay and safe work environments. This labor uprising started in early February 1894 and quickly gained traction among miners in the area.

Local mining companies, facing declining profits and an emerging labor movement, began reducing wages as a cost-saving measure, which was met with immediate backlash from the workforce. The miners organized a strike, aiming to reinstate their previous wages and push for fair labor regulations. The issues at the heart of the strike included not only wage disputes but also the right to organize and collectively bargain, reflecting broader labor struggles occurring across the United States during the industrial age.

As tensions escalated, confrontations between striking miners and law enforcement grew, leading to violence and the imposition of martial law. The strike became a focal point for labor activists across the nation, drawing solidarity from various labor unions and igniting discussions about workers' rights and corporate responsibilities. The Cripple Creek conflict highlighted the clash between labor forces and capital, setting a precedent for future labor disputes and influencing labor legislation moving forward.