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The Tragedy That Sparked Change: The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

Questions: 5

Grade: 6

Words: 138

Text

Text & Questions

Text, Questions & Answers

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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