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Out of context: Reply #73

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  • palimpsest7

    In the early morning hours of March 25, 1911, an obscure but pivotal event unfolded in American history that had a profound impact on worker's rights. Known as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, tragedy struck as a devastating fire broke out on the upper floors of the garment factory located in New York City's Greenwich Village. The factory employed predominantly young immigrant women who worked long hours in harsh conditions for meager wages. The fire quickly engulfed the building, trapping workers inside due to locked exit doors and inadequate fire safety measures. The catastrophic event resulted in the deaths of 146 workers, many of whom perished due to smoke inhalation, burns, or by jumping out of the windows in desperation.

    This unknown event galvanized public outcry and ignited a wave of activism for improved worker's rights and safety regulations. It served as a catalyst for significant labor reforms and spurred the growth of the labor movement in the United States. The tragedy brought attention to the exploitative practices of the garment industry and prompted the establishment of numerous factory safety standards, including fire codes, building inspections, and workplace regulations. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire remains a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by workers in their fight for fair working conditions and the subsequent advancements in labor rights that emerged from this dark chapter in American history.

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