Triangle Fire Research Paper

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The late 19th and early 20th century is categorized by its laissez faire economy and increase in progressive reform. Capitalism was on the rise, and owners were willing to cut any and all corners to make money, even if it was at the cost of the safety of their workers. The increase of new immigrants in city settings fleeing religious persecution and famine also prompted further exploitation by owners. They endured the lowest wages, longest hours, and hazardous conditions of factory life, to have a life in America. Max Blanck and Isaac Harris, the owners of the Triangle Waist Company in New York City, were products of their time and carried out many of these common practices. The horrific fire at the Triangle Waist Company in New York City on …show more content…
These conditions were enabled by no central power consistently enforcing these already very lenient laws. Fire escapes, one of the most important aspects to a building, allow its occupants to safely exit in a dangerous situation. On the Asch Building, there was only one fire escape that only allowed only one person to escape at a time, because it was 42 inches wide. According to Edward Croker, the Chief of the Fire Department in New York, the escapes on the upper floors were very loose, and he recommended that they be replaced with a wide iron staircase. This was one of many recommendations given to the owners that they completely ignored. The New York Factory Investigating Commission also found that the workers were often unaware of where the stairways and fire escapes were located, and were often blocked by the heavy machines. Lastly, a testimony held by the Commission with A.G.I. Harmon, an inspector in the Labor Department of New York City, showed the amount of leeway that was given to inspectors about the laws, before the Triangle fire. While it was his duty to ensure that there was “adequate space” for the Triangle employees to escape via either staircase, he clarified that it was “an adequate space for people not in a hurry.” When further questioned whether there should be proper space for every egress and that they should not be blocked, Harmon responded that the law in question uses the word “exits”, which is window or door, not a staircase. With this, he defends the inadequacy allowed in laws at that time. The interrogation continued as Harmon admitted to not having reported that the aisles to the staircases were only eighteen inches wide, clearly not enough space for the about 400 people employed at the Triangle Waist Factory. Harmon defended his position on his lack of authority used to make
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