Rise of Organized Labor Essay Questions |
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Essay Questions Related to the Rise of Organized Labor During the Industrial Revolution: 1. Analyze Social Darwinism in terms of the working class. Is the concept logically consistent? Were those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder able to rise to the top? Explain your answer. 2. Business and labor used many tools and tactics to get their way during this period. Compare and contrast these tools and tactics. 3. Are there certain tools and tactics for business and labor which are either more or less effective today? That is, do modern circumstances make it more or less difficult for either business or labor to get its way? 4. Describe the life and achievements of Mary Harris "Mother" Jones. 5. Explain the events surrounding the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire. Click here to print. Answers will vary. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which occurred on March 25, 1911, was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in American history. Background: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was a clothing factory located on the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors of the Asch Building in New York City. It employed predominantly young immigrant women who worked long hours in poor conditions. The factory's owners, Max Blanck and Isaac Harris, were known for their cost-cutting measures and had a history of labor violations. The Fire: On the fateful day, a fire broke out on the eighth floor of the factory in the late afternoon. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is believed to have been sparked by a discarded cigarette or a malfunctioning sewing machine. The factory was filled with highly flammable materials, including piles of cotton scraps, and the fire spread rapidly. Trapped Workers: As the fire quickly engulfed the factory, panic and chaos erupted among the workers. Many were unable to escape due to locked doors and blocked exits. The factory's owners had locked the stairwell doors to prevent theft and unauthorized breaks, and the one available fire escape soon became unusable due to the intense heat and overcrowding. Some workers attempted to use the elevator, but it could not carry the load of panicked individuals and malfunctioned. Horrific Loss of Life: Tragically, 146 workers, mostly young women, lost their lives in the fire. Some perished from the flames, while others succumbed to smoke inhalation or by jumping from the upper floors to escape the inferno. The horrifying scene of workers jumping to their deaths was witnessed by crowds on the street below. Aftermath: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire shocked the nation and galvanized the labor and reform movements. It prompted widespread outrage and calls for improved safety standards and workers' rights. It also led to significant changes in labor laws and workplace safety regulations. Immediate Reforms: In the wake of the fire, the New York State Legislature created a Factory Investigating Commission to examine workplace conditions and recommend improvements. This commission's findings resulted in the passage of new labor laws, including regulations on fire safety, building codes, and worker safety. Legacy: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire is often credited with advancing the labor and workplace safety movement in the United States. It served as a catalyst for significant reforms that sought to protect workers' rights, improve working conditions, and ensure fire safety. The tragedy underscored the importance of government regulation and oversight to protect the well-being of workers, and it remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of industrial negligence and exploitation. |
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