The Triangle Factory Fire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Triangle Factory Fire - Essay Example This paper explores the Triangle Factory Fire in the context of progressive era in three key dimensions: workplace safety before and after the fire, response to socioeconomic problems caused by rapid industrialization and the role of stakeholders in law implementation. During 1990s, corporations had no clear workplace safety laws that could direct their operations. After finishing a day’s work on the March 25, 1911, the workers at the company were caught unaware by fire that was fast engulfing the factory, which was occupying three floors at the pinnacle a 10-story building.1 The owners of the factory together with the office staff occupying the tenth floor, but for one, managed to escape to the adjacent building via the roof.2 Unfortunately, approximately 148 employees who were occupying the ninth and eighth floors were trapped in the burning building. Trapped in the sweatshop, the women tried in vain to force locked doors open while others threw themselves from windows. During the fire, onlookers and firefighters were taken aback to discover that there was no entrance to the building.3 The hoses length could only reach the sixth floor of the building. Other impromptu approaches to rescue the trapped workers yielded no fruit.4 Following th e tragedy, the owners of the company, Isaac Harris and Max Blanck, were arraigned only to be acquitted after two hours. This verdict caused indignation among union organizers like the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (I.L.G.W.U.) representing the plight of female workers across the country. The union pushed for change and demanded the enactment of better safety laws. In order to respond effectively to emerging social and economic challenges resulting rapid industrialization, the progressive regime focused of reforms and law implementation to curb the problems and ensure better lives for Americans. The progressive era (1890-1920) was characterized with numerous swift responses to