The importance of the Coal Strike of 1902 in labor history lies in its pivotal role in highlighting the need for labor reforms and the government's intervention in labor disputes. The strike, involving over 140,000 coal miners in Pennsylvania, resulted in a coal shortage affecting the entire nation. President Theodore Roosevelt played a crucial role by mediating between the conflicting parties, marking the first time a U.S. president intervened in a labor dispute. The strike underscored the growing awareness of labor rights and led to significant advancements in labor regulations. It set a precedent for future negotiations between labor and management.