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Today in History: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire claims 146 lives

3/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Manhattan claimed the lives of 146 garment workers, primarily young immigrant women. The tragedy, caused by locked exits, highlighted the dire working conditions in sweatshops and spurred significant labor reforms in the United States, emphasizing the need for improved safety regulations.

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Story summary

On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Manhattan claimed the lives of 146 garment workers, primarily young immigrant women. The tragedy, caused by locked exits, highlighted the dire working conditions in sweatshops and spurred significant labor reforms in the United States, emphasizing the need for improved safety regulations.