History Daily
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Mar 25, 2025
On March 25, 1911, a catastrophic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory tragically claimed 146 lives, igniting a fierce labor rights movement. Listeners learn about the dramatic fight for survival faced by workers like Ethel Monick. The aftermath saw heartfelt calls for justice, highlighting unsafe working conditions. The trial of factory owners sparks outrage with a shocking not guilty verdict, while Frances Perkins rises as a pioneering labor champion. Her commitment to reform shapes the future of worker safety and rights.
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Quick takeaways
- The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire highlighted the dangerous working conditions in sweatshops, leading to public outrage and labor reforms.
- Following the tragedy, advocates like Rose Schneiderman called for legislative changes that significantly improved safety standards for workers in New York State.
Deep dives
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
On March 25, 1911, a devastating fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, resulting in the tragic deaths of 146 garment workers within 30 minutes. Many of the victims were unable to escape due to locked exit doors and inadequate safety measures, highlighting the hazardous conditions faced by workers in sweatshops. Ethel Monick, a worker present during the fire, was forced to confront the grim reality of her situation as she witnessed others jump to their deaths while she struggled to find a way out, ultimately using an elevator to escape. The incident became the worst industrial accident in New York's history, igniting public outrage and galvanizing the labor movement for workplace safety reforms.
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