Letters from an American March 25, 2025
12 snips
Mar 26, 2025 The podcast delves into the harrowing Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911, recounting the workers' desperate escape from locked exits. It showcases witness Francis Perkins' powerful insights on the tragedy’s lasting impact. The discussion shifts to how this disaster sparked a wave of social reform in New York, highlighting critical legislative changes and the influential figures who championed workplace safety and child labor laws. It's a profound look at how tragedy can drive significant societal change.
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Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
- The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911, killed 147 people.
- Locked exits and inadequate safety measures led to the tragedy.
Al Smith's Witness
- Al Smith visited the victims' families and the morgue after the fire.
- This experience profoundly impacted him and fueled his commitment to labor reform.
Turning Point in Labor Reform
- New Yorkers formed a committee and launched investigations after the fire.
- Frances Perkins led the investigation, uncovering unsafe working conditions.