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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Ethel Monick's Escape
- Garment worker Ethel Monick noticed smoke and fire on the eighth floor while working on the ninth floor.
- Locked doors, a broken elevator, and a crowded fire escape prevented escape for many, forcing desperate jumps.
Fire's Impact on Labor Movement
- The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, killing 146 garment workers, was New York's worst industrial accident.
- Unsafe working conditions, common in sweatshops, fueled an existing labor movement and calls for preventative legislation.
Rose Schneiderman's Activism
- Rose Schneiderman, a garment worker, organized the first all-women union chapter after experiencing a factory fire.
- She led the largest all-woman strike in U.S. history, demanding better wages, hours, and improved safety conditions.