The Tragedy That Sparked Change: The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
On a sunny afternoon in March 1911, a tragedy unfolded in New York City that would forever change the world of work. In the bustling Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where young women toiled for long hours, a fire broke out. Since the exit doors were locked to prevent theft, many workers couldn't escape and perished in the flames. This tragic incident, known as the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, claimed 146 lives and brought attention to the poor working conditions in factories. The public was outraged, and this led to a wave of reforms. Safety regulations were introduced, working hours were reduced, and wages were improved. Moreover, this disaster ignited the labor union movement, giving workers the power to demand better conditions. So, while the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire was a horrifying event, it sparked changes that made workplaces safer and fairer for all.
Question 1
What was the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?
A fire in a New York City factory
Explanation. The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire was a fire that broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City on a sunny afternoon in March 1911.
An industrial explosion in Chicago
A catastrophic earthquake in San Francisco
A major flood in Miami
A deadly hurricane in New Orleans
Question 2
What was one of the consequences of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?
It led to an increase in child labor
It caused a decrease in factory production
It ignited the labor union movement
Explanation. The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire ignited the labor union movement, giving workers the power to demand better working conditions.
It prompted a decline in immigration
It discouraged women from working
Question 3
What does the term 'toiled' mean in the context of this passage?
Played
Laughed
Relaxed
Worked hard
Explanation. In the context of this passage, 'toiled' means worked hard. The young women in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory worked hard for long hours.
Slept
Question 4
Why couldn't many workers escape from the fire?
Because they were asleep
Because the exit doors were locked
Explanation. Many workers couldn't escape from the fire because the exit doors were locked to prevent theft.
Because they didn't know the way
Because they were unable to move
Because they didn't want to leave
Question 5
What changes were made after the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?
Increase in working hours
Decrease in wages
Introduction of safety regulations
Explanation. After the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, safety regulations were introduced, working hours were reduced, and wages were improved.
Decrease in factory production
Increase in child labor
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