On March 25, 1911, a tragic three-story fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, killing 146 garment workers. Many of these workers were young immigrant women, primarily from Italian and Jewish backgrounds.
The fire began due to the large quantities of fabric produced and stored in the factory. Working conditions were extremely unsafe, which contributed to the high number of fatalities. The doors to the stairwells and exits were locked to prevent workers from stealing and taking unauthorized breaks. The only fire escape was also locked, and it collapsed under the weight of the workers trying to get out. In total, 146 people lost their lives from the fire, smoke, and others by jumping from the windows in attempt to escape the flames.
This tragedy led to major reforms in workplace safety and labor laws in New York, including the establishment of the Factory Investigating Commission and the passage of 38 new laws related to safety, factory inspections, and sanitation. This incident also greatly increased the prevalence and membership of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU).
Individuals involved in the response, such as Frances Perkins, who later became the first female U.S. Secretary of Labor, and future politicians, Alfred E. Smith and Robert F. Wagner were inspired by the tragic event to pursue reforms.
