Coal Demand Falls

The book argues that the fall in coal demand was not a simple economic cycle but a structural shift, accelerated by technological innovation like electrification and increased competition from oil and natural gas. It showcases how the industry, once a cornerstone of the American economy, faced obsolescence, impacting mining communities and the broader energy landscape.

The book meticulously analyzes shifts in energy markets, highlighting the vulnerability of resource-dependent economies. For instance, the electrification of homes and factories significantly reduced coal consumption.

The study uses primary source data, including production statistics and government reports, to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by coal miners.

The book progresses by first establishing coal's pre-1930s dominance, then analyzing the weakening demand across sectors, and finally assessing the long-term consequences on mining communities, providing lessons applicable to today's energy transitions.