The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire: A Tragic Catalyst for Change
On March 25, 1911, a devastating fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. This calamity resulted in the death of 146 garment workers, mostly young immigrant women, who were unable to escape. The factory owners had locked the doors to the stairwells and exits to prevent theft, trapping the workers inside as the fire raged on. The tragedy shocked the public and brought to light the horrifying working conditions in factories. The outcry led to significant changes in labor laws and safety regulations, sparking the beginning of the labor movement. In the aftermath, the Factory Investigating Commission was established to enforce new regulations for factories to ensure workers' safety. The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire thus became a tragic catalyst for the improvement of worker's rights and safety in the United States.
Question 1
What is a 'catalyst' as used in the context of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?
A chemical compound
A type of equipment in the factory
A process in garment production
An event causing a significant change
Explanation. In this context, 'catalyst' refers to an event or person causing a significant change or action to take place.
A type of fire extinguisher
Question 2
What was the central idea of the aftermath of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?
The fire was caused by a chemical reaction
The factory owners were victims as well
The fire led to significant changes in labor laws and safety regulations
Explanation. The central idea of the aftermath is that the tragic event led to reform in labor laws and safety regulations.
The garment industry was shut down
The workers were responsible for the fire
Question 3
Why did the factory owners lock the doors to the stairwells and exits?
To trap the workers inside
To prevent theft
Explanation. The text mentions that the factory owners had locked the doors to prevent theft, unfortunately trapping the workers inside during the fire.
To maintain temperature inside the factory
Because they lost the keys
To prevent workers from taking breaks
Question 4
What was the public's reaction to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?
They were indifferent
They praised the factory owners
They were shocked and outraged
Explanation. The text states that the tragedy shocked the public and brought to light the horrifying working conditions in factories.
They blamed the workers for the fire
They didn't know about the fire
Question 5
Who were the majority of the victims in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?
Factory owners
Firefighters
Young immigrant women
Explanation. The majority of victims in the fire were young immigrant women who worked in the factory.
Children
Elderly men
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