What tragic event in 1911 led to the establishment of new safety regulations for factories?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, which occurred in March 1911 in New York City, was a pivotal tragedy that highlighted the dangerous working conditions in factories, especially in the garment industry. The fire broke out in a high-rise factory that employed many young immigrant women who were unable to escape due to locked exit doors and a lack of adequate fire safety measures. This disaster resulted in the deaths of 146 workers, many of whom jumped from windows to escape the flames.

In the aftermath of the fire, public outrage and grief prompted a wave of activism that called for reform. The event directly influenced the establishment of new safety regulations and legislation aimed at improving workplace safety standards. This included better fire safety measures such as the installation of sprinklers, clearer exit routes, and the requirement that doors open outward, as well as regulations on working conditions in other industries. The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire thus serves as a critical moment in labor history that led to significant advancements in workers' rights and safety regulations in the United States.