Progressivism Newspaper Research

          Researching on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, I discovered that it was not just a horrible American tragedy, but from the ashes of the building, large scale reform began to take place, changing the way that factories operate. I examined newspaper articles about the fire, and its effects on ReadEx. Examining the articles I learned how atrocious this fire was. I had known about the fire, but the vividness of the articles surprised me. Learning about how the door was locked preventing escape, and how the fire escape was too weak to support the escapees, causing them to fall to their death, and how many women were taken by the fire, left unidentifiable to families and friends. 

 Collapsed Fire Escape

 Unrecognizable Bodies Being Inspected

Triangle Shirt Waist Building on Fire

          This story struck me. I can't believe that before the fire, there were few regulations on safety of the workers. I learned that after the fire, company leaders began to really focus on safety in the work area. Legislation was passed that made disasters like the Shirtwaist Factory impossible. The women were honored as heroes, and memorials were held in their place. The public was enthralled by the event. I learned that Women's Unions worked to ensure the victims receive pay for their sacrifice. The fire sparked massive changes in how companies operate. Fire drills became mandatory, and escape routes were redesigned. 

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire is a great example of progressivism because you have a problem, fire killing hundreds of people, and from that problem reform begins. Overall the reforms were successful. 25 of the 28 bills submitted were passed, making the workplace safer. Civil lawsuits helped reimburse the families. The fire was an absolute tragedy. However, I believe that without the fire, the reforms and legislation would not have passed as successfully as they did. Socially people became more aware about fire safety as New York grew taller with buildings as some reached heights of over 760 feet. There was a problem, the fire, and by thinking about the future, and how something like this could be prevented, employers pushed for reform of factory safety. Bills were passed, and jobs were created to prevent disasters like the fire from happening. 

“Many Victims Still Unidentified"

March 27, 1911

Bellingham Herald

"Teaching Fire Safety in Factories"

June 23, 1913

Kansas City Star

"Lax Laws and Locked Doors"

March 27, 1911

Trenton Evening Times