Welcome to Calm History. I'm Harris, and this podcast is my quirky mix of education with sedation.

So go ahead, lean back, put up your feet, and settle into my time machine of tranquility.

I hope this episode distracts and relaxes your overactive brain squirrels.

So, why am I doing an episode about Lumpy Coal? Well, simply put, because so many of you told me

that you loved my episode about the history of salt. Well, here you go. The history of another

natural resource, coal. Here are some questions I'll address

in this episode. When did the earth first start creating coal? How is coal formed? What exactly is coal? What is the difference between coal, charcoal, brown coal,

peat, and anthracite? What does Coke have to do with the coal industry?

When did humans begin using and mining coal?

What are the dangers of coal mining?

What else has coal been used for throughout history, besides as a fuel?

Why was coal rather than wood so critical to the Industrial Revolution?

Why is the history of coal miners filled with so many strikes and labor disputes?

Who was Mother Jones?

And why was she a hero of coal miners?

What was the Ludlow Massacre of 1914?

And I'll finish with the most important question in this entire episode.

Can you create a diamond from a lump of coal?

Time for a quick break.

Does this podcast give a boost to your joy, knowledge, relaxation, or sleep?

If so, then why deny yourself more episodes?

Your happiness, intelligence, and health are all very important.

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