Essay On The Triangle Fire

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The Triangle Fire made a lasting impact on the future of America. March 25th, 1911, a day that changed everything. Fire engulfed the three stories of the Triangle Waist Company. Family members, firemen, and friends could only watch by the sidelines as 146 girls and boys perished. The vision of girls jumping from the windows to escape being burned alive, broke down even the most seasoned Fire Chief sending him down to the street with quivering lips. In 1910, 13 weeks on strike most companies accepted the unions’ demands but Triangle Waist Company denied the union, giving higher wages and shorter hours. If Triangle Waist Company had accepted the union, would the 146 girls and boys lived? The fire was a terrible tragedy that will never be forgotten but it changed the Industrial life. Following the Fire there was industrial reform, passing of legislation, and it led to women’s suffrage. Industrial reform began days after The Triangle Waist Company fire, beginning with the Committee of Safety, Tammany Hall legislators, and the founding of the Factory Investigating Commission. The Committee of safety’s goal was legislative reform. They were upset by the social and political support that was not received after the fire. The committee was made of the public that investigated factory conditions in hopes to get legislation passed to protect factory workers. Middle and upper class business men and women pushed for legislation to improve factory life, Tammany Hall legislators decided to reassess the situation. Democratic Party leaders Alfred Smith and Robert Wagner, being politicians, changed their views to become the party of reform. The founding of the Factory Investigating Commission (FIC), led by Smith and Wagner of Tammany Hall legisl... ... middle of paper ... ...ion (NAWSA). Chapman Catt had success working the political side, President Wilson endorsed women’s suffrage in 1916. After the endorsement by the president the focus was turned to Congress. Congress stood in the way from women having the freedom and equality they had dreamed about for decades. In 1920, the 19th Amendment was passed. The death of 146 women, girls, and boys was a turning point for America. The Triangle Waist Company being responsible for the deaths was also responsible for the political and social awareness that became after the fire. “it was not only successful in effecting practical remedies but, surprisingly, it proved to be successful in vote-getting.” Through legislation life in factories had changed preventing further disasters. The change that best improved America was the passage of the 19th amendment and the role it has played since 1920.

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