

The Woman Behind The New Deal
29 snips Jun 5, 2025
Kirsten Downey, author of 'The Woman Behind the New Deal', sheds light on Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history. They discuss Perkins' transformative journey after witnessing the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which propelled her commitment to labor rights. Downey reveals how Perkins shaped critical policies like Social Security and the minimum wage, navigating a male-dominated political landscape. Listeners learn about her enduring legacy and influence on American social safety nets that continue to impact lives today.
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Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
- The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 killed 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women.
- Frances Perkins witnessed the tragedy, which deeply disturbed her and shaped her future activism.
Frances Perkins' Legacy
- Frances Perkins became the first female U.S. cabinet member and New Deal mastermind.
- Her work established key social safety net programs still fundamental today.
Early Activism and Risks
- Frances Perkins experienced firsthand the harsh realities of immigrant worker poverty and abuse.
- She volunteered at Hull House and helped migrants, even exposing human traffickers undercover.