Name______Block______

Labor Reforms - Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire WebQuest

Historical Background

Near closing time on Saturday, March 25, 1911, a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City. This was an awful example of the way workers were treated in the United States. The conditions at this sweatshop (as many factories became known) were very similar to the conditions at hundreds of other factories throughout the United States. However, discomfort and long hours weren’t the worst of the problems at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory – 235 people lost their lives as a result of the conditions and harsh rules at this New York City shop.

The Task

Phase I – Gathering Background Data

***Questions should be answered on a separate sheet of paper to be turned in with your phase III***

Follow and complete each step before going on to the next.

  • Please locate the following website- You can find a link to this website on Mr. Kresge’s homepage by clicking on Jackson.
  • Locate the pages entitled “The Story of the Fire.” These are located on the right side of the screen.
  • Click on “Introduction,” and read the overview of the fire.
  • Click the “Next” button at the bottom of the screen.
  • Continue to read the following four pages carefully, clicking the “Next” button at the bottom of each when you are done. NOTE: - Please do not click any links until you understand the readings on the five main pages.
  • You understand the readings when you can answer the following correctly:
  • What were the specific causes that led to disaster at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory?
  • What is a sweatshop?
  • Give examples of sweatshops in today’s world.
  • Explain how unions played a role in the event.
  • Why were workers unable to escape the fire? Who was responsible for this?
  • What were three short-term effects of the fire? (Documents 141 men and girls)
  • What were three long-term effects of the fire?
  • Explain whether or not you support the penalties handed out to those in charge of Triangle.

Phase II – Develop Your Point of View

Now that you understand the event, its causes, and both short and long term effects, complete the following tasks:

***You may work with a partner if you choose to do so at this point***

  • Print a picture of the conditions inside the factory or sweatshop to include in your essay or put a picture into your PowerPoint of the conditions inside the sweatshop.
  • Choose one of the following: “My First Job,” “Days and Dreams,” “Among the Poor Girls,” or “Life in the Shop.” Read about the excitement and anticipation that many girls and young women had at the time about working and the realities they faced. Tell what the conditions were like according to the immigrant workers.
  • Read a newspaper or magazine account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. What is the most interesting part of the fire reported in the article?
  • Read a survivor’s account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.
  • Print or include in your PowerPoint a cartoon about the fire. Be sure to include a written explanation of what message the author is attempting to convey.
  • In the “Mourning and Protest” section, read the editorial entitled, “What is to be done now?” Explain whether you agree with the article.
  • As a result of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, what changes do you feel were necessary to prevent injury and/or death in factories and sweatshops?

Phase III – Prove Your Case

Upon completion of Phase II, you will create a brief PowerPoint (minimum 4 slides not including pictures) or summary (at least 1 page typed or 3 paragraphs with 5-7 sentences each) to turn in the block after next.

In your PowerPoint or summary you should answer the following questions:

  • What were the conditions inside the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory that resulted in so many people dying?
  • What was the public reaction to the fire and the conditions inside of the sweatshop?
  • What criminal or civil penalties did the owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company face?
  • What changes resulted from the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire?
  • What were three mistakes made that resulted in the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?
  • What are three things that should have been changed before the fire? (Use pre-fire photographs to help with this question)
  • What are two significant facts or details about the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire that you want your audience to be aware of?