In “Triangle” The Fire That Changed America, Von Drehle characterizes progressivism by commending those who challenged the system, despite what fears the consequences may hold. The factory workers who unionized and stood against their oppressive employers are now considered the forefathers that lay the foundations for the labor laws we have in place today. Clara Lemlich took risks that jeopardized her safety and even her life when she was beat by Tammany Hall officials for leading a strike outside a …show more content…
Ultimately, the efforts of these labor union strikers did not go unnoticed by employers. A large number of factories, including the Triangle Waist Company eventually accepted demands for higher wages and shorter hours after much unrest. Progressivism, in a sense also meant asserting the traditional standards enacted, in order for change to occur. Being a woman with strong political perspectives, as Clara Lemlich attained was shunned upon. Women during this era were not generally allowed to have any political input, and were quickly shut down if contentions occurred. When it came to politics or any other remotely influential matter, a woman’s opinion wasn’t seen as valuable or even worth the time. Women were expected to only consort to a limited range of activities and interests which were acceptable at the time, preserving the image of the Victorian age woman. Anyone who dared challenge those Victorian principles which shaped the distinctly capitalistic and patriarchal society of the industrial north was seen as