Ivy Lee and the Rockefellers' Response to the 1913-1914 Colorado Coal Strike

Abstract

Ivy Lee's work on behalf of the Rockefellers and the coal mine operators in the aftermath of the bitter Colorado coal strike of 1913-1914 was a milestone in early public relations. Based primarily on original manuscripts, this historical study chronicles Lee's work as a consultant in 1914 and as a Rockefeller staff member in 1915. Lee's best-known activity was a series of controversial informational bulletins targeted at opinion leaders. He also engaged in government relations, conducted some media relations, and provided advice on how the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company could improve labor relations. The findings provide no support for claims that Lee was intentionally deceptive, but supports a contradiction thesis, which suggests a gap existed between Lee's espoused principles of publicity and his actions. This contradiction can be explained by the fact that Lee worked in less than ideal circumstances.