How Did The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Of 1911

On March 25, 1911 in beautiful New York City, New York one of the most tragic yet most revolutionizing events ever to occur in industrial history took place. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory set ablaze in total fire on that pleasant spring day, taking the lives of many young female laborers. Following this catastrophic historical encounter, an immense, closely followed trial was held for the owners of the factory, Isaac Harris and Max Blanck as they were accused of actually setting this dreadful fire themselves and not following what megar fire regulations were in the place at this time . On December 4, 1911, almost nine months later, the two men were charged and convicted with manslaughter by Judge Thomas Crain. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory

These young women,many being immigrants, worked six or seven days a week for wages of approximately $5, crammed into dark spaces with little ventilation . This factory like so many others was owned and run by men who were more interested in males working in the higher-paid jobs, while assuming women were less skilled and less willing to fight for equality.“The shops are unsanitary - that's the word that is generally used, but there ought to be a worse one used. Whenever we tear or damage any of the goods we sew on, or whenever it is found damaged after we are through with it, whether we have done it or not, we are charged for the piece and sometimes for a whole yard of the material.”(7). The fire spread quickly and there were limited ways to escape. The young female workers were faced with only a couple of decisions for possible escape: jump out a window onto the street, push into the overcrowded or even non functioning elevator shaft, attempt to climb onto the building next door or most likely die horrifically as a result of burning in the fire. “The people began to throw themselves out of the windows. All the machines were bubbling with flames. I had my fur coat and hat with two feathers and a green woolen skirt which I pulled over my hat and my head. I know I ran to the windows but then I backed away. I know I was all wet but it could not have been

For example, the formation of the Department of Labor on March 4, 1913, by President Taft with its sole .purpose being to promote and monitor the wellbeing of workers, to improve working conditions, and to enhance profitable employment.There are currently a list of regulations that must be followed in factories or owners will suffer consequences and therefore lose their economic profits.A grievance system was established and workers unions are stronger than ever with the power to strike and stop factories from producing materials while trying to prevent such tragedies from ever occurring again. “Even today, sweatshops have not disappeared in the United States. They keep attracting workers in desperate need of employment and undocumented immigrants, who may be anxious to avoid involvement with governmental agencies. Recent studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor found that 67% of Los Angeles garment factories and 63% of New York garment factories violate minimum wage and overtime laws. Ninety-eight percent of Los