Fire that Sparked Change: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
In the heart of bustling New York City in 1911, stood the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, known for its shirtwaists or women's blouses. On March 25, a small fire broke out in one of the scrap bins, quickly escalating into a raging inferno due to flammable materials and poor safety measures. The doors were locked to prevent theft, trapping many workers inside.
The fire claimed the lives of 146 garment workers, most of them young immigrant women. The city was horrified, mourning the loss of so many lives. This tragedy ignited a burning urgency for reform. People began to question the working conditions and lack of safety measures in factories.
The fire served as a catalyst for change. It led to the creation of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, fighting for better working conditions for factory workers. Stricter fire safety codes were also implemented, and factory owners could no longer neglect their workers’ safety for the sake of profits.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire was a dark moment in history, but it sparked a flame of reform that changed the American workplace forever, emphasizing the importance of safety and workers' rights.
Question 1
What was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory known for?
Manufacturing automotive parts
Printing newspapers
Producing women's blouses
Explanation. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was known for its production of shirtwaists or women's blouses.
Baking pastries
Crafting furniture
Question 2
Why were the factory doors locked during the fire?
To trap the workers inside
To prevent theft
Explanation. The factory doors were locked to prevent theft, an unfortunate practice that trapped many workers inside during the fire.
To prevent the fire from spreading
Because it was after work hours
Because the factory was closed for vacation
Question 3
What was the main outcome of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?
The factory's closure
The creation of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union
Explanation. The fire led to the creation of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, which fought for better working conditions for factory workers.
The relocation of the factory
The termination of the factory owners
A decrease in garment production
Question 4
What change in safety measures was implemented after the fire?
Fire extinguishers were installed
Emergency exits were built
Workers were no longer locked inside
Stricter fire safety codes were implemented
Explanation. After the fire, stricter fire safety codes were implemented to ensure workers' safety.
Fire drills were initiated
Question 5
Who were most of the victims in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?
Factory owners
Young immigrant women
Explanation. Most of the victims of the fire were young immigrant women who worked at the factory.
Elderly men
Children
Firefighters
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