The Triangle Factory Fire

Dramatic changes happened during the nineteenth century as many industrial factories emerged, but with the rapid growth comes its consequences. Many people left the farmland to come to cities to work in factories. An influx of immigrants coming to America to seek a better life was also found during this Era, but found themselves taking on the low wage and “sweatshop” type work. During this time, there was a lack of federal regulation against the monopolistic companies. The Triangle Factory Fire serves as the pivotal point in women’s rights and labor rights during the Progressive Era in United States history. The documents examine the roles of Progressive reformers in challenging the government to take more control in regulating the workplace
After the fire, Blank and Harris was subjected to a trial. After almost three years later, Harris and Blank settle their case by pensioning seventy-five dollars for each lives lost; such a small amount that could not replace a life. The author of Investigation and Trial blames the lack of safety regulations lead to the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaists Company. Joseph Asch, owner of the Asch building claims the building was fireproof, but after the fire, the factory was found to “not be fireproof, without fire escapes, and without adequate exits” (). When fire broke out on the eighth floor of the building, the workers on the ninth floor tried to escape, but the doors were locked. Employers kept the doors locked to keep workers from trying to steal. Though Blanck and Harris were fined for the locking of the doors, the judge has apologized to him for placing that fine upon him. This suggested that the government at the time was potentially afraid of the big companies, and wanted to “forget the case as speedily as possible”
The author wanted public awareness for those who did not have relatives in the fire, so they can understand what has happened, and the agony of the victims as they “chose to jump to their deaths rather than to burn alive” (). The potential need for a change in the way legislation take control when dealing with the large companies is indeed a social issue that needed to be addressed immediately. As the author of both documents, Fire and Investigation and Trial suggested, there was a need for change in the garment industry to protect the safety and health of women and children, but the strikes alone were not enough. It was not until after the Triangle Fire and outbreaks from the public that caused a change the legislation to consider a change to public policies. With the Triangle Factory Fire being one of the pivotal point during the Progressive Era, more and more social reforms will continue to appear as the public will be more educated in their rights as an American