The_DT Decline_NNP of_IN the_DT Northeastern_NNP Ohio_NNP Steel_NNP Market_NNP :_: Why_WRB Did_VBD Attempts_NNS by_IN Union_NNP Leaders_NNP and_CC Concerned_VBN Citizens_NNPS to_TO Revive_NNP the_DT Steel_NNP Industry_NNP Ultimately_RB Fail_NNP ?_. An_DT Extended_NNP Essay_NNP in_IN History_NN By_IN Philosophy_NN E._NN Walker_NNP Candidate_NNP Number_NNP :_: xxxxxxxxx_NN Supervisor_NNP :_: Alexis_NNP Mamaux_NNP Date_NN :_: January_NNP 12_CD ,_, 2004_CD Word_NNP Count_VBP :_: 3215_CD United_NNP World_NNP College_NNP of_IN the_DT American_NNP West_NNP Montezuma_NNP ,_, NM_NNP 87731_CD USA_NNP September_NNP 19_CD ,_, 1977_CD is_VBZ a_DT date_NN that_IN few_JJ people_NNS in_IN Youngstown_NNP ,_, Ohio_NNP will_MD ever_RB forget_VB ._. 
On_IN that_DT date_NN Jennings_NNP Lambeth_NNP ,_, president_NN of_IN Youngstown_NNP Sheet_NNP and_CC Tube_NNP Company_NNP ,_, announced_VBD that_IN most_JJS of_IN the_DT steel_NN company_NN ’_NN s_VBZ Campbell_NNP Works_NNP would_MD close_VB ._. 
Although_IN for_IN other_JJ cities_NNS this_DT would_MD simply_RB be_VB a_DT minor_JJ economic_JJ setback_NN ,_, for_IN the_DT people_NNS of_IN Youngstown_NNP and_CC the_DT surrounding_VBG area_NN ,_, it_PRP meant_VBD disaster_NN ._. 
Mahoning_NNP County_NNP was_VBD a_DT one_JJ -_- industry_NN area_NN ,_, and_CC the_DT people_NNS of_IN Youngstown_NNP ,_, Struthers_NNP ,_, Campbell_NNP ,_, Boardman_NNP Township_NNP ,_, and_CC the_DT numerous_JJ other_JJ small_JJ towns_NNS and_CC villages_NNS in_IN the_DT area_NN only_RB had_VBD one_CD main_JJ employer_NN :_: the_DT steel_NN mills_NNS ._. 
The_DT events_NNS that_WDT would_MD follow_VB this_DT date_NN (_( known_VBN as_IN Black_NNP Monday_NNP )_) are_VBP seen_VBN by_IN the_DT people_NNS who_WP witnessed_VBN them_PRP either_CC as_IN stories_NNS of_IN great_JJ courage_NN and_CC determination_NN or_CC as_IN monuments_NNS to_TO human_JJ failure_NN and_CC false_JJ hope_NN ._. 
Rather_RB than_IN sit_VB back_RB and_CC wait_VB for_IN their_PRP$ jobs_NNS to_TO be_VB snatched_VBN away_RB ,_, the_DT workers_NNS and_CC local_JJ union_NN members_NNS in_IN the_DT mills_NNS fought_VBD long_JJ and_CC hard_JJ to_TO be_VB able_JJ to_TO keep_VB the_DT factories_NNS open_JJ ._. 
Petitions_NNP ,_, protests_VBZ ,_, rallies_NNS ,_, collectivization_NN ,_, and_CC even_RB the_DT takeover_NN of_IN a_DT steel_NN company_NN ’_NN s_VBZ headquarters_NN were_VBD all_DT attempted_VBD in_IN a_DT desperate_JJ movement_NN by_IN those_DT in_IN the_DT industry_NN to_TO preserve_VB the_DT only_JJ source_NN of_IN employment_NN that_IN this_DT town_NN had_VBD ._. 
These_DT well_RB -_- intentioned_VBN efforts_NNS ultimately_RB failed_VBD ,_, leaving_VBG thousands_NNS with_IN shattered_VBD dreams_NNS and_CC a_DT distinct_JJ lack_NN of_IN trust_NN in_IN fellow_NN humankind_NN ._. 
But_CC why_WRB did_VBD the_DT brave_JJ attempts_NNS by_IN union_NN leaders_NNS and_CC concerned_VBN citizens_NNS to_TO revive_VB the_DT steel_NN industry_NN ultimately_RB fail_VB ?_. 
When_WRB examining_VBG the_DT area_NN ’_NN s_VBZ history_NN ,_, culture_NN ,_, and_CC economic_JJ situation_NN we_PRP can_MD identify_VB four_CD main_JJ reasons_NNS :_: the_DT refusal_NN of_IN the_DT international_JJ leadership_NN of_IN United_NNP Steelworkers_NNPS of_IN America_NNP to_TO support_VB their_PRP$ union_NN ’_NN s_VBZ Youngstown_NNP branch_NN ,_, the_DT lagging_VBG international_JJ steel_NN market_NN ,_, the_DT lack_NN of_IN a_DT clear_JJ ,_, organized_VBN vision_NN for_IN individual_JJ initiatives_NNS such_JJ as_IN the_DT Save_VB Our_PRP$ Valley_NNP Campaign_NNP ,_, and_CC crippling_JJ regionalism_NN which_WDT caused_VBD animosity_NN between_IN different_JJ small_JJ towns_NNS in_IN the_DT region_NN ,_, all_DT contributed_VBD in_IN some_DT way_NN to_TO the_DT failure_NN of_IN the_DT workers_NNS and_CC union_NN leaders_NNS to_TO save_VB the_DT industry_NN ._. 
Most_JJS importantly_RB ,_, the_DT problem_NN in_IN Youngstown_NNP was_VBD a_DT nationwide_JJ problem_NN ._. 
Although_IN it_PRP affected_VBD Youngstown_NNP and_CC the_DT surrounding_VBG area_NN more_JJR than_IN it_PRP affected_VBD other_JJ regions_NNS ,_, the_DT local_JJ people_NNS simply_RB could_MD not_RB solve_VB a_DT national_JJ crisis_NN on_IN a_DT local_JJ level_NN ._. 

A_DT Brief_NNP History_NN of_IN Steel_NNP in_IN Northeastern_NNP Ohio_NNP In_IN 1802_CD James_NNP and_CC Daniel_NNP Heaton_NNP discovered_VBD ore_NN and_CC coal_NN lining_NN Yellow_NNP Creek_NNP in_IN an_DT area_NN outside_IN of_IN Youngstown_NNP known_VBN as_IN Poland_NNP Township_NNP ._. 
Their_PRP$ blast_NN furnace_NN ,_, “_NN Hopewell_NNP ,_, ”_NN was_VBD the_DT very_RB first_JJ blast_NN furnace_NN in_IN the_DT area_NN ._. 
During_IN the_DT Civil_NNP War_NNP ,_, Youngstown_NNP played_VBD a_DT vital_JJ role_NN in_IN supplying_VBG the_DT Union_NNP army_NN with_IN iron_NN products_NNS ._. 
Youngstown_NNP also_RB was_VBD a_DT major_JJ railway_NN crossroads_NNS ,_, due_JJ to_TO its_PRP$ strategic_JJ position_NN between_IN Cleveland_NNP ,_, Pittsburgh_NNP ,_, New_NNP York_NNP ,_, and_CC Chicago_NNP ._. 
In_IN fact_NN ,_, “_NN More_JJR rail_NN cars_NNS passed_VBN under_IN the_DT Center_NNP Street_NNP Bridge_NNP [_NN a_DT major_JJ bridge_NN in_IN Youngstown_NNP ]_NN per_IN day_NN than_IN any_DT other_JJ location_NN in_IN the_DT country_NN ._. 
”_NN 
During_IN the_DT 19th_JJ century_NN ,_, the_DT center_NN of_IN iron_NN manufacturing_NN had_VBD gradually_RB shifted_VBN from_IN the_DT far_RB East_NNP Coast_NNP (_( Massachusetts_NNP and_CC Eastern_NNP Pennsylvania_NNP )_) to_TO the_DT Ohio_NNP Valley_NNP Pittsburgh_NNP regions_NNS of_IN the_DT Northeast_NNP ,_, including_VBG the_DT Mahoning_NNP Valley_NNP and_CC the_DT Hanging_NNP Rock_NNP region_NN of_IN Ohio_NNP and_CC Kentucky_NNP ._. 
By_IN 1880_CD ,_, Youngstown_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ population_NN had_VBN grown_VBN to_TO nearly_RB 16,000_CD ,_, which_WDT meant_VBD it_PRP had_VBD doubled_VBN in_IN size_NN over_IN a_DT twenty_JJ -_- year_NN period_NN ._. 
The_DT town_NN continued_VBD to_TO prosper_VB ,_, driven_VBN by_IN the_DT flux_NN of_IN immigrants_NNS pouring_VBG in_IN with_IN the_DT hopes_NNS of_IN employment_NN at_IN the_DT mills_NNS ._. 
This_DT prosperity_NN continued_VBD until_IN the_DT late_JJ 1920s_NN ,_, when_WRB the_DT Great_NNP Depression_NNP hit_VBD the_DT area_NN hard_JJ ._. 
Despite_IN the_DT Congress_NNP of_IN Industrial_NNP Organization_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ successful_JJ efforts_NNS to_TO establish_VB a_DT national_JJ steel_NN workers_NNS ’_NN union_NN ,_, the_DT industry_NN barely_RB survived_VBD the_DT Depression_NNP years_NNS ._. 
Finally_RB ,_, the_DT outbreak_NN of_IN the_DT Second_NNP World_NNP War_NNP made_VBD iron_NN and_CC steel_NN important_JJ again_RB ,_, and_CC Youngstown_NNP was_VBD bolstered_VBN out_IN of_IN its_PRP$ economic_JJ standstill_NN into_IN a_DT fast_RB -_- paced_VBN period_NN of_IN booming_JJ growth_NN 
._. 
Youngstown_NNP may_MD have_VB been_VBN an_DT important_JJ and_CC prosperous_JJ region_NN in_IN the_DT post-war_JJ period_NN ,_, but_CC the_DT seeds_NNS for_IN its_PRP$ downfall_NN were_VBD slowly_RB being_VBG sown_NN ._. 
Strikes_NNS racked_VBD the_DT town_NN during_IN the_DT forties_NNS ,_, fifties_NNS ,_, and_CC sixties_NNS ,_, and_CC they_PRP were_VBD often_RB long_JJ and_CC bloody_JJ ._. 
In_IN 1973_CD ,_, the_DT Experimental_NNP Negotiating_NNP Agreement_NNP was_VBD signed_VBN ._. 
This_DT prohibited_VBN strikes_NNS and_CC lockout_NN ,_, angering_VBG workers_NNS and_CC driving_VBG productivity_NN and_CC laborer_NN morale_NN down_RB ._. 
At_IN the_DT same_JJ time_NN ,_, stricter_JJR governmental_JJ standards_NNS for_IN environmental_JJ protection_NN and_CC the_DT growth_NN of_IN imported_VBN steel_NN were_VBD making_VBG it_PRP harder_RBR to_TO produce_VB and_CC market_VB American_JJ steel_NN parts_NNS ,_, and_CC the_DT overeager_JJ shareholders_NNS in_IN the_DT companies_NNS ’_NN stock_NN were_VBD pushing_VBG for_IN more_JJR and_CC more_JJR of_IN their_PRP$ share_NN of_IN the_DT pie_NN ._. 
Most_JJS importantly_RB ,_, Youngstown_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ steel_NN mills_NNS were_VBD slowly_RB becoming_VBG less_RBR efficient_JJ and_CC more_RBR expensive_JJ ._. 
Old_JJ technology_NN was_VBD not_RB replaced_VBN ,_, obsolete_JJ methods_NNS were_VBD not_RB updated_VBN ,_, and_CC almost_RB none_NN of_IN the_DT industry_NN ’_NN s_VBZ profits_NNS were_VBD being_VBG utilized_JJ to_TO help_VB modernize_VB ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD a_DT recipe_NN for_IN disaster_NN that_WDT would_MD soon_RB explode_VB in_IN the_DT faces_NNS of_IN hundreds_NNS of_IN thousands_NNS of_IN workers_NNS and_CC their_PRP$ families_NNS 
._. 
Black_NNP Monday_NNP and_CC the_DT Crash_NNP of_IN the_DT Steel_NNP Industry_NNP The_DT announcement_NN of_IN the_DT closing_NN of_IN the_DT mills_NNS in_IN 1977_CD was_VBD the_DT beginning_NN of_IN a_DT downward_JJ spiral_NN ,_, which_WDT would_MD send_VB the_DT entire_JJ valley_NN into_IN chaos_NN and_CC ruin_VB ._. 
Between_IN 1977_CD and_CC 1981_CD ,_, a_DT total_NN of_IN five_CD mills_NNS were_VBD closed_VBN and_CC approximately_RB 25,000_CD jobs_NNS were_VBD lost_VBN countywide_NN ._. 
Meetings_NNS of_IN union_NN officials_NNS and_CC mill_NN bosses_NNS were_VBD hurriedly_RB set_VBN up_RP in_IN an_DT attempt_NN to_TO persuade_VB the_DT powers_NNS that_WDT be_VB to_TO reconsider_VB their_PRP$ statement_NN ._. 
However_RB ,_, it_PRP was_VBD clear_JJ that_IN ,_, in_IN the_DT words_NNS of_IN USWA_NNP president_NN Lloyd_NNP McBride_NNP ,_, “_NN If_IN you_PRP can_MD ’_NN t_NN make_VBP a_DT buck_NN ,_, you_PRP get_VBP out_IN of_IN the_DT business_NN ._. 
”_NN 
The_DT closings_NNS meant_VBD the_DT end_NN of_IN Youngstown_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ only_RB real_JJ industry_NN ,_, the_DT end_NN of_IN its_PRP$ population_NN growth_NN ,_, and_CC then_RB end_VB of_IN economic_JJ progress_NN ._. 
Without_IN the_DT mills_NNS ,_, people_NNS sought_VBD other_JJ places_NNS of_IN employment_NN in_IN adjoining_JJ states_NNS or_CC even_RB other_JJ areas_NNS of_IN the_DT country_NN ._. 
Those_DT that_WDT could_MD afford_VB to_TO move_NN did_VBD so_RB ;_: those_DT that_DT couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN afford_VB to_TO move_VB mostly_RB ended_VBD up_RP on_IN the_DT streets_NNS ._. 
Without_IN an_DT industrial_JJ or_CC a_DT residential_JJ base_NN ,_, commerce_NN shrank_VBD considerably_RB ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD becoming_VBG increasingly_RB clear_JJ that_IN without_IN the_DT industrial_JJ base_NN provided_VBN by_IN the_DT mills_NNS ,_, the_DT city_NN of_IN Youngstown_NNP would_MD soon_RB become_VB a_DT ghost_NN town_NN ,_, inhabited_VBN by_IN those_DT too_RB poor_JJ or_CC hopeful_JJ to_TO escape_VB ._. 
The_DT workers_NNS decided_VBD they_PRP needed_VBD to_TO do_VB something_NN to_TO save_VB their_PRP$ city_NN ,_, and_CC so_IN they_PRP mobilized_VBD in_IN a_DT variety_NN of_IN ways_NNS 
._. 
Attempts_NNS to_TO Save_VB the_DT Mills_NNP The_DT very_RB first_JJ thing_NN that_IN the_DT workers_NNS could_MD do_VB was_VBD “_NN to_TO get_VB up_RP a_DT petition_NN to_TO stop_VB the_DT shutdown_NN ,_, ”_NN says_VBZ Ed_NNP Mann_NNP ,_, a_DT local_JJ union_NN leader_NN and_CC organizer_NN ._. 
The_DT petition_NN was_VBD circulated_VBN ,_, eventually_RB including_VBG thousands_NNS of_IN signatures_NNS ;_: it_PRP was_VBD then_RB given_VBN to_TO USWA_NNP representatives_NNS to_TO present_VB to_TO President_NNP Carter_NNP in_IN Washington_NNP ._. 
However_RB ,_, the_DT representatives_NNS were_VBD shunted_JJ to_TO the_DT side_NN and_CC ignored_VBN in_IN Washington_NNP ,_, since_IN Youngstown_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ political_JJ influence_NN had_VBD died_VBN with_IN its_PRP$ industry_NN 
._. 
The_DT International_NNP chapter_NN of_IN the_DT USWA_NNP had_VBD much_RB more_JJR lobbying_VBG power_NN ,_, but_CC they_PRP refused_VBD to_TO support_VB the_DT local_JJ union_NN members_NNS ._. 
The_DT petition_NN was_VBD lost_VBN among_IN paperwork_NN and_CC bureaucratic_JJ procedure_NN 
._. 
Next_JJ ,_, workers_NNS decided_VBD to_TO form_VB the_DT Ecumenical_NNP Coalition_NNP ,_, an_DT organization_NN of_IN local_JJ religious_JJ groups_NNS which_WDT spearheaded_VBD the_DT attempt_NN to_TO reopen_VB the_DT Youngstown_NNP works_VBZ ._. 
The_DT Coalition_NNP drafter_NN letters_NNS to_TO the_DT Lykes_NNP Company_NNP asking_VBG if_IN a_DT group_NN of_IN workers_NNS might_MD purchase_VB the_DT mill_NN and_CC run_VB it_PRP collectively_RB ._. 
Lykes_NNP ignored_VBD the_DT letters_NNS ,_, so_IN the_DT Coalition_NNP turned_VBD once_RB again_RB to_TO the_DT federal_JJ government_NN ._. 
Here_RB ,_, too_RB ,_, they_PRP were_VBD ignored_VBN ._. 
The_DT Coalition_NNP had_VBD no_DT proper_JJ funds_NNS to_TO buy_VB the_DT mills_NNS ,_, so_IN they_PRP could_MD do_VB nothing_NN but_CC sit_VB back_RB and_CC watch_VB as_IN the_DT mills_NNS closed_VBD ._. 
Finally_RB ,_, following_VBG the_DT shutdown_NN of_IN US_NNP Steel_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ plant_NN in_IN 1980_CD ,_, local_JJ union_NN leaders_NNS congregated_JJ outside_IN the_DT US_NNP Steel_NNP Headquarters_NNP in_IN Youngstown_NNP ._. 
They_PRP invited_VBD local_JJ people_NNS and_CC politicians_NNS to_TO witness_NN the_DT scene_NN ,_, then_RB charged_VBD the_DT Headquarters_NNP and_CC took_VBD it_PRP over_IN ._. 
The_DT workers_NNS stayed_VBD there_RB until_IN the_DT next_JJ day_NN ,_, when_WRB US_NNP Steel_NNP declared_VBD that_IN they_PRP were_VBD ready_JJ to_TO talk_VB about_IN selling_VBG the_DT mill_NN ._. 
Immediately_RB after_IN the_DT workers_NNS left_VBD the_DT building_NN ,_, US_NNP steel_NN representatives_NNS told_VBD the_DT local_JJ union_NN leaders_NNS that_IN they_PRP had_VBD changed_VBN their_PRP$ minds_NNS and_CC were_VBD no_DT longer_RB interested_JJ in_IN allowing_VBG the_DT workers_NNS to_TO purchase_VB the_DT mill_NN 
._. 
All_DT these_DT efforts_NNS eventually_RB came_VBD to_TO nothing_NN ,_, and_CC Youngstown_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ steel_NN mills_NNS remained_VBD closed_VBN ._. 
These_DT attempts_NNS to_TO save_VB the_DT mills_NNS were_VBD hindered_VBN by_IN several_JJ major_JJ factors_NNS ,_, including_VBG the_DT decline_NN of_IN the_DT world_NN steel_NN market_NN ,_, which_WDT made_VBD American_JJ steel_NN impossible_JJ to_TO sell_VB or_CC export_VB 
._. 
The_DT Decline_NNP of_IN the_DT World_NNP Market_NNP The_DT efforts_NNS to_TO save_VB the_DT mills_NNS failed_VBD partly_RB because_IN the_DT international_JJ market_NN for_IN steel_NN had_VBD largely_RB dried_VBN up_RP ._. 
During_IN World_NNP War_NNP II_NNP the_DT rest_NN of_IN the_DT world_NN was_VBD hungry_JJ for_IN America_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ iron_NN and_CC steel_NN products_NNS ;_: however_RB ,_, by_IN the_DT seventies_NNS no_DT foreign_JJ nations_NNS needed_VBN to_TO import_VB steel_NN in_IN such_JJ large_JJ quantities_NNS ._. 
In_IN fact_NN ,_, American_JJ steel_NN imports_NNS were_VBD beginning_VBG to_TO outweigh_VB exports_NNS ._. 

Foreign_JJ steel_NN was_VBD easier_JJR and_CC more_RBR efficient_JJ to_TO make_VB ,_, and_CC was_VBD often_RB of_IN higher_JJR quality_NN than_IN domestic_JJ steel_NN ._. 
Foreign_JJ steel_NN companies_NNS invested_VBN in_IN their_PRP$ factories_NNS ,_, updating_VBG their_PRP$ technology_NN and_CC replacing_VBG their_PRP$ equipment_NN often_RB ._. 
This_DT meant_VBN that_IN foreign_JJ facilities_NNS were_VBD more_RBR modern_JJ and_CC efficient_JJ than_IN any_DT plants_NNS in_IN America_NNP ,_, and_CC therefore_RB were_VBD able_JJ to_TO export_VB a_DT more_RBR competitive_JJ product_NN 
._. 
Foreign_JJ steel_NN was_VBD also_RB much_RB cheaper_JJR ._. 
Wage_NN hikes_NNS ,_, although_IN they_PRP helped_VBD to_TO improve_VB living_VBG conditions_NNS of_IN steel_NN workers_NNS in_IN the_DT US_NNP ,_, made_VBD American_JJ steel_NN far_RB more_RBR expensive_JJ ._. 
Also_RB ,_, international_JJ competitors_NNS drew_VBD on_IN a_DT large_JJ supply_NN of_IN very_RB cheap_JJ labor_NN ._. 
Jobs_NNP were_VBD scarce_JJ in_IN other_JJ steel_NN -_- exporting_VBG countries_NNS ,_, and_CC labor_NN laws_NNS were_VBD either_CC non-existent_JJ or_CC allowed_VBN employers_NNS to_TO pay_VB much_RB less_JJR for_IN work_NN ._. 
Labor_NN costs_NNS in_IN America_NNP continued_VBD to_TO go_VB up_RP ,_, draining_VBG US_NNP companies_NNS of_IN their_PRP$ resources_NNS ,_, while_IN companies_NNS overseas_RB were_VBD able_JJ to_TO cut_VB labor_NN costs_NNS and_CC put_VBD that_DT money_NN back_RB into_IN updating_VBG and_CC renovating_VBG their_PRP$ facilities_NNS 
._. 
On_IN a_DT worldwide_NN scale_NN ,_, newer_JJR materials_NNS such_JJ as_IN aluminum_NN ,_, plastic_NN ,_, and_CC composites_NNS were_VBD beginning_VBG to_TO substitute_VB steel_NN both_DT at_IN home_NN and_CC abroad_RB ._. 
Steel_NN demand_NN worldwide_NN was_VBD beginning_VBG to_TO decline_VB ,_, and_CC it_PRP affected_VBD both_DT domestic_JJ and_CC foreign_JJ companies_NNS ._. 
However_RB ,_, to_TO American_JJ companies_NNS already_RB suffering_VBG financial_JJ setbacks_NNS ,_, outdated_JJ machinery_NN ,_, and_CC fierce_JJ competition_NN ,_, this_DT lack_NN of_IN demand_NN was_VBD an_DT inconvenience_NN they_PRP could_MD not_RB afford_VB ._. 
America_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ steel_NN remained_VBN unsold_JJ ,_, flooding_VBG the_DT world_NN market_NN with_IN inferior_JJ products_NNS that_IN no_DT one_CD wanted_VBD to_TO buy_VB 
._. 
Since_IN this_DT problem_NN was_VBD a_DT national_JJ one_CD rather_RB than_IN a_DT local_JJ one_CD ,_, the_DT problems_NNS that_WDT were_VBD occurring_VBG in_IN Youngstown_NNP were_VBD not_RB unique_JJ ._. 
Youngstown_NNP was_VBD perhaps_RB hit_VBN harder_RBR than_IN any_DT other_JJ town_NN by_IN the_DT collapse_NN of_IN the_DT steel_NN industry_NN ,_, but_CC it_PRP was_VBD not_RB alone_RB ._. 
The_DT problem_NN was_VBD a_DT national_JJ one_CD ,_, involving_VBG many_JJ more_JJR mills_NNS and_CC issues_NNS than_IN Youngstown_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ alone_RB ._. 
J._NN Philip_NNP Richley_NNP ,_, a_DT union_NN member_NN and_CC organizer_NN of_IN many_JJ attempts_NNS to_TO save_VB 5_CD the_DT mills_NNS ,_, has_VBZ summed_VBD it_PRP up_RP thus_RB :_: “_NN You_PRP just_RB can_MD ’_NN t_NN solve_VB a_DT nation_NN -_- wide_JJ problem_NN in_IN a_DT single_JJ city_NN ._. ”_NN 
The_DT decline_NN of_IN the_DT world_NN steel_NN market_NN affected_VBN not_RB just_RB Youngstown_NNP but_CC the_DT entire_JJ steel_NN community_NN in_IN America_NNP ._. 
Trying_VBG to_TO prop_VB up_RP one_CD city_NN ’_NN s_VBZ mills_NNS was_VBD impossible_JJ when_WRB faced_VBN with_IN the_DT depression_NN that_DT spread_NN throughout_IN the_DT entire_JJ industry_NN 
._. 
The_DT Save_VB Our_PRP$ Valley_NNP Campaign_NNP :_: Lack_NN of_IN Funds_NNS and_CC Plans_NNS Eventually_RB ,_, some_DT religious_JJ leaders_NNS involved_VBN in_IN the_DT Ecumenical_NNP Coalition_NNP joined_VBD forces_NNS within_IN community_NN members_NNS and_CC former_JJ steel_NN mill_NN employees_NNS to_TO create_VB the_DT Save_VB Our_PRP$ Valley_NNP Campaign_NNP ._. 
As_IN the_DT name_NN suggests_VBZ ,_, local_JJ leaders_NNS wanted_VBD to_TO instill_VB the_DT people_NNS of_IN Youngstown_NNP with_IN a_DT fierce_JJ sense_NN of_IN urgency_NN ,_, driving_VBG them_PRP forward_RB to_TO confront_VB steel_NN companies_NNS and_CC owners_NNS and_CC help_VB secure_VB the_DT future_NN of_IN the_DT region_NN ._. 
Marches_NNP ,_, speeches_NNS ,_, and_CC letter_NN writing_VBG were_VBD all_DT employed_VBN to_TO help_VB stimulate_VB the_DT Campaign_NNP and_CC rally_VB the_DT people_NNS ._. 
But_CC the_DT Campaign_NNP was_VBD bogged_VBD down_RB heavily_RB by_IN the_DT lack_NN of_IN proper_JJ funding_NN ._. 
The_DT people_NNS of_IN Youngstown_NNP ,_, being_VBG now_RB unemployed_JJ had_VBD very_RB little_JJ money_NN to_TO spend_VB on_IN anything_NN but_CC staying_VBG alive_JJ ._. 
College_NNP tuition_NN ,_, clothes_NNS ,_, food_NN ,_, and_CC heating_VBG all_DT had_VBD to_TO come_VB before_IN donations_NNS to_TO non-profit_JJ organizations_NNS ._. 
People_NNS outside_IN of_IN the_DT area_NN had_VBD no_DT personal_JJ investment_NN in_IN the_DT mills_NNS ,_, and_CC so_IN it_PRP was_VBD difficult_JJ to_TO convince_VB anyone_NN from_IN out_IN of_IN the_DT county_NN to_TO contribute_VB funds_NNS ._. 
The_DT lack_NN of_IN money_NN proved_VBN to_TO be_VB crippling_JJ ,_, because_IN it_PRP prevented_VBD the_DT organizations_NNS involved_VBN from_IN purchasing_VBG the_DT mills_NNS to_TO run_VB collectively_RB ._. 
Without_IN funds_NNS ,_, the_DT Save_VB Our_PRP$ Valley_NNP Campaign_NNP could_MD do_VB nothing_NN major_JJ to_TO help_VB salvage_VB the_DT city_NN ’_NN s_VBZ dying_VBG economy_NN 
._. 
The_DT Save_VB Our_PRP$ Valley_NNP Campaign_NNP also_RB lacked_VBD one_CD essential_JJ component_NN :_: an_DT actual_JJ concrete_JJ plan_NN ._. 
No_DT one_NN seemed_VBD to_TO know_VB just_RB how_WRB to_TO go_VB about_IN fixing_VBG the_DT problems_NNS ._. 
Letters_NNS and_CC petitions_NNS were_VBD all_DT very_RB well_RB ,_, but_CC they_PRP did_VBD little_JJ to_TO improve_VB the_DT situation_NN ._. 
People_NNS clung_NN to_TO vague_JJ ideas_NNS of_IN worker_NN collectivization_NN ,_, but_CC no_DT one_PRP could_MD really_RB fathom_NN exactly_RB how_WRB that_WDT would_MD work_VB ;_: the_DT people_NNS of_IN Youngstown_NNP were_VBD ,_, after_IN all_DT ,_, not_RB particularly_RB familiar_JJ with_IN socialism_NN or_CC collectivization_NN in_IN general_NN ._. 
Beyond_IN that_DT ,_, no_DT one_CD knew_VBD how_WRB they_PRP should_MD proceed_VB :_: everyone_NN knew_VBD that_IN saving_VBG the_DT mills_NNS was_VBD important_JJ ,_, but_CC nobody_NN stepped_VBD forward_RB with_IN a_DT full_RB -_- fledged_VBN plan_NN to_TO do_VB it_PRP without_IN losing_VBG huge_JJ amounts_NNS of_IN money_NN and_CC dragging_VBG even_RB more_JJR people_NNS down_RB ._. 
Without_IN a_DT real_JJ plan_NN ,_, nothing_NN could_MD truly_RB be_VB achieved_VBN 
._. 
Without_IN funds_NNS to_TO drive_VB the_DT efforts_NNS ,_, or_CC even_RB a_DT real_JJ plan_NN of_IN action_NN ,_, the_DT Save_VB Our_PRP$ Valley_NNP Campaign_NNP did_VBD more_JJR harm_NN than_IN good_NN ._. 
In_IN effect_NN ,_, it_PRP raised_VBD the_DT hopes_NNS of_IN workers_NNS without_IN having_VBG any_DT real_JJ chance_NN at_IN saving_VBG anything_NN ._. 
People_NNS became_VBD excited_VBN and_CC waited_VBN for_IN the_DT mills_NNS to_TO reappear_NN ,_, but_CC they_PRP never_RB did_VBD ._. 
The_DT Campaign_NNP failed_VBD to_TO save_VB any_DT jobs_NNS and_CC Youngstown_NNP was_VBD plunged_VBN into_IN economic_JJ chaos_NN 
._. 
The_DT Apathy_NNP of_IN USWA_NNP United_NNP Steel_NNP Workers_NNPS of_IN America_NNP was_VBD the_DT union_NN representing_VBG the_DT Youngstown_NNP steel_NN workers_NNS when_WRB the_DT closings_NNS hit_VBD ._. 
Initially_RB many_JJ assumed_VBD that_IN their_PRP$ union_NN would_MD take_VB a_DT lead_NN role_NN in_IN fighting_VBG for_IN the_DT recovery_NN of_IN their_PRP$ jobs_NNS ._. 
However_RB ,_, it_PRP soon_RB became_VBD clear_JJ that_IN although_IN the_DT local_JJ union_NN leaders_NNS were_VBD prepared_VBN to_TO fight_VB ,_, the_DT international_JJ branch_NN was_VBD not_RB ._. 
The_DT higher_JJR levels_NNS of_IN the_DT union_NN became_VBD increasingly_RB disassociated_JJ with_IN Youngstown_NNP and_CC its_PRP$ plight_NN ,_, attempting_VBG to_TO shut_VB out_RP the_DT appeals_NNS from_IN workers_NNS and_CC local_JJ union_NN representatives_NNS and_CC to_TO ignore_VB what_WP was_VBD really_RB happening_VBG 
._. 
Actually_RB ,_, one_CD main_JJ reason_NN for_IN the_DT behavior_NN of_IN the_DT USWA_NNP was_VBD that_IN union_NN leaders_NNS really_RB had_VBD no_DT idea_NN what_WP to_TO do_VB ._. 
No_DT one_NN had_VBD ever_RB seen_VBN a_DT shutdown_NN of_IN this_DT magnitude_NN and_CC rapidity_NN before_RB ,_, and_CC none_NN of_IN the_DT leaders_NNS of_IN USWA_NNP ,_, not_RB even_RB president_NN Lynn_NNP Williams_NNP ,_, knew_VBD what_WP could_MD be_VB done_VBN ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD clear_JJ to_TO everyone_NN that_IN the_DT economic_JJ fallout_NN from_IN this_DT series_NN of_IN closings_NNS would_MD be_VB one_CD of_IN the_DT worst_JJS in_IN US_NNP history_NN ,_, and_CC so_RB without_IN any_DT real_JJ precedents_NNS the_DT union_NN leaders_NNS were_VBD flustered_JJ ._. 
Rather_RB than_IN try_VB and_CC come_VB up_RB with_IN some_DT sort_NN of_IN scenario_NN ,_, the_DT USWA_NNP simply_RB ignored_VBD what_WP was_VBD going_VBG on_IN in_IN Youngstown_NNP ,_, hoping_VBG that_IN perhaps_RB the_DT problem_NN would_MD resolve_VB itself_PRP ,_, or_CC at_IN least_JJS not_RB spread_VB any_DT further_RBR than_IN it_PRP already_RB had_VBD 
._. 
Besides_IN incompetence_NN ,_, the_DT USWA_NNP had_VBD one_CD other_JJ major_JJ reason_NN for_IN rejecting_VBG their_PRP$ local_JJ counterpart_NN :_: fear_NN of_IN socialism_NN ._. 
Obviously_RB the_DT union_NN itself_PRP was_VBD not_RB afraid_JJ of_IN socialist_JJ action_NN ,_, but_CC they_PRP worried_VBD that_IN the_DT federal_JJ government_NN might_MD see_VB the_DT efforts_NNS of_IN Youngstown_NNP workers_NNS to_TO collectivize_NN as_IN a_DT movement_NN towards_IN socialism_NN and_CC perhaps_RB even_RB communism_NN ._. 
If_IN the_DT USWA_NNP supported_VBD the_DT efforts_NNS to_TO revive_VB the_DT mills_NNS and_CC encouraged_VBN worker_NN control_NN and_CC ownership_NN of_IN the_DT factories_NNS ,_, then_RB the_DT government_NN (_( and_CC potentially_RB other_JJ important_JJ people_NNS and_CC institutions_NNS as_RB well_RB )_) might_MD begin_VB to_TO think_VB that_IN the_DT UWSA_NNP leaders_NNS were_VBD encouraging_VBG socialism_NN ._. 
This_DT would_MD mean_VB that_IN UWSA_NNP would_MD lose_VB credibility_NN with_IN the_DT American_JJ government_NN and_CC its_PRP$ people_NNS ,_, something_NN they_PRP could_MD not_RB afford_VB to_TO do_VB ._. 
Therefore_RB ,_, they_PRP decided_VBD to_TO withdraw_VB support_NN and_CC let_VB the_DT local_JJ branch_NN fight_NN it_PRP out_IN alone_RB 
._. 
Regionalism_NNP From_IN its_PRP$ very_RB first_JJ days_NNS the_DT Mahoning_NNP Valley_NNP has_VBZ been_VBN an_DT area_NN packed_VBN with_IN small_JJ villages_NNS and_CC hamlets_NNS ._. 
Youngstown_NNP is_VBZ the_DT name_NN of_IN the_DT major_JJ city_NN area_NN ,_, but_CC surrounding_VBG it_PRP on_IN all_DT sides_NNS are_VBP small_JJ communities_NNS which_WDT to_TO the_DT casual_JJ viewer_NN are_VBP indistinguishable_JJ from_IN the_DT main_JJ city_NN itself_PRP ._. 
Boardman_NNP ,_, Poland_NNP Township_NNP ,_, Struthers_NNP ,_, Lowellville_NNP ,_, Warren_NNP ,_, Lordstown_NNP ,_, Canfield_NNP ,_, Niles_NNP ,_, and_CC many_JJ other_JJ towns_NNS and_CC districts_NNS are_VBP crowded_VBN around_IN Youngstown_NNP (_( see_VB Figure_NN 3_CD )_) ._. 
People_NNS from_IN each_DT town_NN work_NN ,_, shop_NN ,_, eat_VB ,_, and_CC socialize_VB in_IN towns_NNS separate_JJ from_IN their_PRP$ own_JJ ,_, making_VBG each_DT town_NN strongly_RB dependent_JJ on_IN every_DT other_JJ town_NN ._. 
However_RB ,_, although_IN traffic_NN is_VBZ heavy_JJ between_IN each_DT separate_JJ district_NN ,_, each_DT area_NN has_VBZ its_PRP$ own_JJ distinct_JJ cultural_JJ ethnicity_NN ,_, educational_JJ system_NN ,_, heritage_NN ,_, history_NN ,_, and_CC even_RB food_NN ._. 
For_IN example_NN ,_, Struthers_NNP is_VBZ a_DT poor_JJ town_NN with_IN a_DT large_JJ Slovak_NNP population_NN ,_, where_WRB education_NN is_VBZ generally_RB better_JJR than_IN in_IN surrounding_VBG towns_NNS ,_, but_CC unemployment_NN is_VBZ much_RB higher_JJR and_CC pollution_NN is_VBZ widespread_JJ ._. 
Most_JJS people_NNS in_IN Struthers_NNP are_VBP either_CC Orthodox_NNP or_CC Baptist_NNP ._. 
Two_CD blocks_NNS over_IN one_CD finds_VBZ Boardman_NNP ,_, a_DT well_RB -_- off_IN township_NN with_IN a_DT reputation_NN for_IN rich_JJ but_CC unsuccessful_JJ schools_NNS ._. 
Its_PRP$ residents_NNS are_VBP mainly_RB Italian_JJ and_CC Roman_NNP Catholic_NNP ,_, with_IN a_DT small_JJ concentration_NN of_IN Methodists_NNPS on_IN the_DT east_JJ side_NN ._. 
Unemployment_NN is_VBZ low_JJ in_IN comparison_NN with_IN surrounding_VBG towns_NNS ,_, and_CC the_DT streets_NNS are_VBP clean_VB and_CC well_RB kept_VBD ._. 
With_IN many_JJ more_JJR cultures_NNS ,_, religions_NNS ,_, and_CC economic_JJ levels_NNS living_VBG in_IN close_JJ proximity_NN to_TO one_CD another_DT ,_, a_DT curious_JJ phenomenon_NN has_VBZ overtaken_VBN the_DT area_NN :_: regionalism_NN ._. 
Each_DT town_NN ,_, with_IN their_PRP$ own_JJ identity_NN ,_, instills_NNS a_DT strong_JJ regionalistic_JJ feeling_NN within_IN their_PRP$ respective_JJ populations_NNS ,_, which_WDT dictates_VBZ many_JJ habits_NNS ,_, exchanges_NNS ,_, and_CC interactions_NNS between_IN populations_NNS ._. 
Oftentimes_NNP this_DT regionalism_NN takes_VBZ the_DT form_NN of_IN bizarre_JJ forms_NNS of_IN hatred_NN ,_, with_IN certain_JJ towns_NNS becoming_VBG sworn_VBN enemies_NNS of_IN others_NNS 
._. 
With_IN so_RB much_JJ regional_JJ tension_NN ,_, it_PRP became_VBD very_RB hard_RB for_IN workers_NNS to_TO unite_VB under_IN a_DT common_JJ cause_NN ,_, even_RB one_CD that_WDT would_MD save_VB their_PRP$ jobs_NNS and_CC their_PRP$ futures_NNS ._. 
Workers_NNS from_IN Poland_NNP Township_NNP would_MD refuse_VB to_TO attend_VB rallies_NNS with_IN workers_NNS from_IN Campbell_NNP ,_, and_CC citizens_NNS of_IN Struthers_NNP would_MD become_VB suspicious_JJ of_IN people_NNS from_IN Boardman_NNP ,_, even_RB if_IN they_PRP were_VBD supposed_VBN to_TO be_VB working_VBG towards_IN the_DT same_JJ thing_NN ._. 
A_DT lack_NN of_IN cooperation_NN became_VBD a_DT crippling_JJ problem_NN for_IN the_DT movement_NN ,_, because_IN no_DT one_CD was_VBD willing_JJ to_TO put_VB aside_RB regional_JJ differences_NNS to_TO work_VB together_RB ._. 
In_IN some_DT instances_NNS ,_, small_JJ companies_NNS would_MD express_VB interest_NN in_IN helping_VBG the_DT movement_NN or_CC in_IN relocating_VBG their_PRP$ business_NN in_IN the_DT area_NN ,_, but_CC because_IN of_IN regional_JJ pride_NN no_DT one_PRP could_MD ever_RB agree_VB where_WRB the_DT new_JJ businesses_NNS should_MD relocate_VB ._. 
In_IN this_DT way_NN the_DT people_NNS of_IN the_DT Mahoning_NNP Valley_NNP missed_VBD many_JJ opportunities_NNS for_IN new_JJ industrial_JJ or_CC commercial_JJ lifeblood_NN because_IN of_IN arbitrary_JJ arguments_NNS where_WRB the_DT goal_NN was_VBD simply_RB to_TO protect_VB regional_JJ pride_NN 
._. 
Conclusion_NNP :_: The_DT Aftershock_NNP and_CC the_DT Significance_NN of_IN Black_NNP Monday_NNP Black_NNP Monday_NNP was_VBD a_DT devastating_JJ blow_NN to_TO an_DT entire_JJ generation_NN of_IN people_NNS ._. 
The_DT efforts_NNS to_TO avoid_VB catastrophe_NN after_IN the_DT fact_NN were_VBD unsuccessful_JJ for_IN four_CD main_JJ reasons_NNS :_: the_DT failure_NN of_IN the_DT international_JJ steel_NN market_NN ,_, the_DT lack_NN of_IN funds_NNS and_CC plans_NNS in_IN initiatives_NNS such_JJ as_IN the_DT Save_VB Our_PRP$ Valley_NNP Campaign_NNP ,_, the_DT refusal_NN of_IN the_DT USWA_NNP to_TO support_VB their_PRP$ local_JJ chapter_NN out_IN of_IN ineptitude_NN and_CC fear_NN ,_, and_CC the_DT absurd_JJ but_CC very_RB real_JJ regionalism_NN which_WDT corrupted_JJ solidarity_NN efforts_NNS and_CC drove_VBD away_RB any_DT hope_VBP for_IN brining_VBG in_IN new_JJ companies_NNS 
._. 
What_WP happened_VBD in_IN Youngstown_NNP may_MD not_RB seem_VB significant_JJ on_IN an_DT international_JJ or_CC even_RB on_IN a_DT national_JJ level_NN ,_, and_CC perhaps_RB it_PRP is_VBZ not_RB ._. 
But_CC to_TO the_DT thousands_NNS of_IN people_NNS living_VBG there_RB ,_, the_DT loss_NN of_IN the_DT mills_NNS was_VBD a_DT devastating_JJ event_NN that_WDT sent_VBD shock_NN waves_NNS through_IN their_PRP$ economic_JJ ,_, political_JJ ,_, and_CC social_JJ futures_NNS ._. 
Because_IN of_IN the_DT mills_NNS and_CC their_PRP$ conspicuous_JJ absence_NN ,_, hundreds_NNS of_IN people_NNS were_VBD uprooted_VBD ,_, forced_VBN to_TO leave_VB their_PRP$ homes_NNS and_CC tightly_RB knit_VBN communities_NNS ._. 
Hundreds_NNS more_JJR joined_VBD the_DT unemployment_NN lines_NNS ,_, or_CC even_RB began_VBD living_VBG on_IN the_DT streets_NNS ._. 
For_IN the_DT people_NNS of_IN Youngstown_NNP ,_, Black_NNP Monday_NNP was_VBD not_RB just_RB a_DT historical_JJ event_NN -_- it_PRP was_VBD the_DT most_RBS important_JJ event_NN in_IN their_PRP$ lives_NNS 
._. 
The_DT steel_NN workers_NNS who_WP tried_VBD to_TO save_VB their_PRP$ jobs_NNS and_CC their_PRP$ lives_NNS were_VBD part_NN of_IN something_NN greater_JJR than_IN themselves_PRP ,_, something_NN which_WDT would_MD endure_VB long_RB after_IN they_PRP had_VBD moved_VBN away_RB and_CC moved_VBD on_IN ._. 
Even_RB though_IN they_PRP eventually_RB failed_VBD ,_, the_DT fact_NN that_IN they_PRP tried_VBD to_TO preserve_VB what_WP they_PRP felt_VBD belonged_VBD to_TO them_PRP is_VBZ an_DT amazing_JJ example_NN of_IN how_WRB far_RB people_NNS will_MD go_VB to_TO save_VB their_PRP$ lives_NNS and_CC the_DT futures_NNS of_IN their_PRP$ children_NNS 
._. 
