The Ludlow Massacre took place in the context of ongoing labor disputes in the Colorado coal mining industry, particularly involving the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). During the early 20th century, miners were protesting against the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, seeking better wages, working conditions, and the right to unionize. The miners had gathered in a tent city near Ludlow, where they lived with their families while the strike was underway. Tensions between the striking miners and the National Guard were high, as the Guard was called in to protect company property. On April 20, 1914, a violent clash erupted when the National Guard descended on the miners' camp. The confrontation began when Guardsmen attacked the tent city, allegedly firing at the miners and their families. In the chaos, nineteen individuals, including women and children, lost their lives while many others were injured. The violent encounter drew national attention and sparked outrage across the United States, leading to a growing sentiment in favor of labor reform. The incident became a symbol of the struggle for workers' rights in America and highlighted the brutal realities of industrial labor at the time. The Ludlow Massacre not only intensified labor conflicts in Colorado but also served as a rallying point for labor organizers seeking to improve conditions for workers nationwide.