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Today in History: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire claims 146 lives

3/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Manhattan claimed the lives of 146 workers, primarily young immigrant women. Many victims perished due to locked exits that prevented escape. This tragedy highlighted the dire working conditions in sweatshops and sparked significant reforms in labor laws and workplace safety across the United States.

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Story summary

On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Manhattan claimed the lives of 146 workers, primarily young immigrant women. Many victims perished due to locked exits that prevented escape. This tragedy highlighted the dire working conditions in sweatshops and sparked significant reforms in labor laws and workplace safety across the United States.