Short fire hoses.
Photograph courtesy of Cornell University
CONCLUSION
Home
Thesis
Historical Context
Fire
Labor Unions
Child Labor
Safety Reforms
Conclusion
Annotated Bibliography
Process Paper
Our lives are different today because of what happened as a result of the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. The tragic death of 146 people uncovered multiple safety barriers in factories around America. It brought unity among the citizens and government which forced new safety reforms, the recognition of unions, and the abolishment of child labor. Four years after the fire, New York City had the safest working conditions in the United States. The Triangle Shirtwaist fire was the spark that ignited America's road to some of the benefits we enjoy today, such as:
- All children receive an equal opportunity for education.
- Age and working hours are set for children.
- The Wagner Act enabled labor unions to negotiate with employers.
- Safety procedures are in place in all factories.
Damage after fire.
Photograph courtesy of Cornell University
Burned workspace.
Photograph courtesy of Cornell University
Broken cement from bodies.
Photograph courtesy of Cornell University
Dead bodies on sidewalk.
Photograph courtesy of Cornell University
Bodies waiting identification.
Photograph courtesy of Cornell University