PDF Summary:Triangle, by David von Drehle

In his meticulous account, author David von Drehle paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to and surrounding the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911—an incident that proved to be a turning point in American labor history and worker safety regulations.

Triangle explores the harsh working conditions in New York City's garment industry during the early 20th century, and examines how this incident sparked public outrage that ultimately led to crucial reforms. The narrative follows advocates like Clara Lemlich and Rose Schneiderman as they spearheaded unionization efforts, while navigating the power struggle between reform-focused progressives and the entrenched political machine of Tammany Hall.

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• The focus on Clara Lemlich's personal history as a driving force for her activism might overshadow the collective nature of the labor movement and the contributions of other less-documented individuals.
• The depiction of the 1909 strike at Leiserson's waist factory as a clear-cut case of worker oppression could be nuanced by considering the perspectives of the factory owners, who may have believed they were acting within their rights and in the interests of their business.
• The Women's Trade Union League's role in connecting wealthy progressives with labor activists is highlighted, but it could be critiqued for potentially creating a dependency on philanthropy rather than building a self-sustaining labor movement.
• The narrative around the Rosen family and other entrepreneurs moving toward a strike could be balanced by acknowledging the economic pressures and competitive market conditions that may have influenced their business decisions.
• The arrest of Mary Dreier and Helen Marot is presented as unjust, but from a law enforcement perspective, it could be argued that they were enforcing the laws of the time, which may have viewed such protests as a form of civil disorder.
• The 1909 revolt is portrayed as a pivotal moment for union representation, but it's important to consider that some workers might have opposed the strike due to fear of job loss or disagreement with union tactics.
• Clara Lemlich's speech at Cooper Union is celebrated for igniting activism, but some might argue that it was one of many catalysts and that the movement's success was due to a wider array of factors and individuals.
• The disintegration of the partnership between workers' advocates and progressive elites over union membership requirements could be seen not just as a disagreement over tactics but also as a reflection of the inherent tensions between working-class movements and their wealthier allies.

The fire at the Triangle factory and the events that followed

Von Drehle underscores the catastrophic consequences of disregarding safety measures in the workplace, meticulously tracing the origins of the Triangle factory blaze from its inception in an overcrowded loft and concluding with the somber process of recognizing and burying the 146 individuals who perished. The author highlights how the modern attributes that enhanced productivity in blouse production at the Triangle factory—like the integration of operations, the flammability of the materials used, and the unyielding focus on swift production—also transformed it into a deadly trap, with employees having tragically limited options for escape when a minor fire rapidly intensified into a raging inferno. The author provides a moving depiction of the consequences of carelessness, highlighting the sorrowful results that occur when the pursuit of profit is prioritized over people's safety.

The factory known as Triangle had a particularly high risk of fire because of its cramped and dangerous conditions.

David von Drehle depicts the Triangle factory as an epitome of modern, efficient manufacturing, setting it apart from the older sweatshops, but unfortunately, it was also prone to quick dissemination of fire. The Triangle was situated on the uppermost three floors of a typical ten-story edifice in the vicinity of Washington Square, surrounded by a variety of other businesses. A group of seamstresses was diligently engaged in sewing shirts at long tables. Beneath the cutting tables on the eighth floor, there was a collection of fabric remnants, prone to catching fire and tipping the scales at more than five hundred pounds. The entire process—from cutting to examining, to pressing, to packing and shipping—was carried out on these same three floors, and the volume of work, especially during busy seasons, was staggering. In this dynamic setting, employees expediently transported bundles of cuffs, fronts of shirts, and sleeves to preserve the continuity of the assembly process. The industrial site transformed into a deadly trap because of the overcrowding with employees and supplies, the combustible quality of the fabrics and design templates, the insufficient emergency exits, and, most importantly, the owners' habit of locking doors to prevent theft, all of which needed just a single spark to set off a disaster.

The manufacturing facility contained numerous combustible materials.

David von Drehle emphasizes the high risk of fire in the Triangle company's workspace, highlighting the abundant fabric scraps from the cutting areas and the scattered piles of fine cotton shirt materials that contributed to the environment's extreme fire hazard. During the lawsuit against the factory owners, it was demonstrated that the Triangle company consistently disposed of up to a ton of fabric scraps every two months. The factory was perilously close to a disastrous blaze, exacerbated by the presence of combustible substances, among which was the oil that had leaked out of the equipment used for stitching.

The evacuation attempts were hindered as there were no clear routes for escape and the doors had been locked.

David von Drehle explains that the architectural layout of the Triangle structure significantly hindered a structured escape when a fire erupted. The layout of the workspace resulted in most workers being a considerable distance from the two exits located at the intersections of Greene Street and Washington Place, with numerous tables and narrow pathways in between, and the staircases were notably narrow. The installation of fire escapes further diminished the already limited area, resulting in an even more cramped environment. The structure was ostensibly designed as an alternate route for evacuation; however, its conception lacked careful planning and it suffered from inadequate maintenance. Narrow balconies, accessible only through small windows blocked by steel shutters, were hung precariously along the outside of the building with rickety, twisting ladders offering the only path down. The path that appeared to offer a way out ended at a skylight over a basement, which did not offer an exit to the street level, as the balconies were unable to support more than a few individuals at the same time. A contingent of at most twelve workers would have struggled to find a way out, and once they arrived at their destination, they would have had no additional means of eluding danger.

David von Drehle meticulously depicts the tragic circumstances where the employees were tragically trapped, with the doors on the Washington Place side remaining secured, preventing their escape as the workday concluded and the fire began at the most distant point. Numerous survivors have confirmed that the company's established protocol required workers to exit via the Greene Street door, where their handbags were checked to prevent the theft of goods. The author highlights that a widespread belief among factory owners in New York and elsewhere was the necessity of locking doors to protect their property from employees.

Absence of fire drills to prepare workers for quick and orderly evacuation

David von Drehle highlights the catastrophic consequences that arose due to the Triangle's inadequate safety protocols, which were characterized by an absence of fire drills and a failure to instruct workers on proper evacuation procedures in the event of a crisis. The predominantly immigrant workers were overwhelmed by a sense of intense dread and disorientation, their reactions slowed and ineffective because of the period's typical unpreparedness, as flames and dense smoke rapidly surrounded them.

A comprehensive timeline detailing the intense struggles of individuals as they desperately struggled to survive the devastating blaze.

David von Drehle delivers an engaging and thorough account of the blaze. The author navigates us through the calamity, starting with the initial ignition of fabric remnants under a table, which escalated to the distressing moments when employees faced the grim decision of either jumping from the windows or succumbing to the flames, drawing on details from legal depositions and thorough accounts from survivors. The narrative is marked by remarkable courage and shocking brutality, unfolding amidst an atmosphere of perpetual dread.

The chilling sight of employees, trapped with no means of escape, jumping off the building as bystanders looked on, powerless to assist, is indelibly imprinted in the recollections of those who saw the tragedy unfold.

The memory of the Triangle fire lingers with particular poignancy due to the workers who, trapped by the advancing fire, chose to jump from the windows as a crowd of onlookers helplessly observed from below. Von Drehle's comprehensive account vividly describes the terror and sheer panic that filled the final moments as the fire obliterated all routes of retreat, forcing workers to make the dreadful choice between a fatal fall or being consumed by the inferno. He depicts the dreadful scene where individuals plummeted beside those attempting to save them, tearing through nets that lacked the necessary strength, while firefighters, constrained by ladders that fell short of the ninth floor, struggled to put out the blaze that had taken hold of the lower stories.

The fire intensified quickly, transforming a small spark into a raging inferno that consumed the upper level.

David von Drehle's narrative of the fire serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly a small spark can turn into an all-consuming inferno. The entire calamity unfolded in just half an hour, starting with the initial efforts to extinguish the fire that burst forth under Isidore Abramowitz's cutting table using pails of water and culminating in the moment the last victim fell. The fire rapidly spread through three floors of a modern production building, resulting in numerous fatalities and significantly influencing the development of regulations for safety in the workplace.

The immigrant community was engulfed in profound sorrow as they undertook the somber task of recognizing and interring the 146 individuals who perished in the calamity.

After the blaze, the community faced a deep-seated tragedy and the immense magnitude of the catastrophe. The author meticulously details the makeshift mortuary established on the pier known as Misery Lane, where numerous grieving family members and friends braved severe weather and the overpowering stench of decomposition for a prolonged time, hoping to identify their loved ones among the badly mutilated and indistinguishable bodies. The author vividly reconstructs these distressing events, highlighting the unyielding determination of the newcomers as they struggled to comprehend and reconcile themselves with a disaster of almost unimaginable magnitude.

Families and friends, stricken with grief, persistently visited the temporary morgue, seeking to locate their missing loved ones.

The author meticulously describes the harrowing ordeal of recognizing and interring the deceased, underscoring the profound calamity that struck the communities of immigrants residing in the Lower East Side. Relatives and acquaintances of those who had perished or were unaccounted for queued up in extensive lines that stretched to a temporary mortuary set up in a dimly illuminated pier structure on the periphery, an area often referred to as Misery Lane. Inside, scores of coffins were lined up in rows with policemen holding lanterns over the bodies. The mourners were engulfed in an atmosphere of death, sorrow, and hopelessness, struggling to recognize their loved ones as the flames had rendered many unidentifiable. The narrative is marked by several deeply moving instances, including the scene where a young woman identifies her fiancé through the distinctive ring he wore and then finds her own picture inside the watch he carried.

The endeavors of affected individuals to secure the well-being and sustenance of their families.

The catastrophic Triangle fire claimed the lives of 146 people, most of whom were young immigrant women and several teenagers, who had come to New York from Eastern Europe, motivated by the desire to escape poverty and oppression. David von Drehle illuminates the tragedy, emphasizing the stories of individuals who often remained anonymous in the media coverage of that period. He uses concise portraits of individuals to highlight the struggles of the victims who were working hard to sustain themselves and help their family members in Russia, referencing the cooperative actions undertaken by the Joint Relief Committee. Having survived a pogrom in Bialystok, Poland, Rosie Freedman traveled to America independently, found work at the Triangle factory, and regularly sent a portion of her limited earnings to help her family in Poland every month. Michela “Mechi” Marciano, who had survived the volcanic disaster in Italy in 1906, was also among those who perished. She was the embodiment of the young women who migrated and formed the majority of the workforce at the Triangle, tirelessly toiling for long hours to support themselves and provide monetary help to their families.

Context

• The Triangle factory was a modern manufacturing facility located on the upper floors of a ten-story building near Washington Square. It was characterized by overcrowding, combustible materials, limited emergency exits, and locked doors, creating a hazardous work environment. The layout hindered evacuation, with narrow staircases and fire escapes that were inadequate for a swift exit. The factory's design flaws and safety shortcomings significantly contributed to the tragic outcome of the fire.
• Misery Lane was a colloquial term for a pier where a makeshift mortuary was set up to identify the victims of the Triangle factory fire. The Joint Relief Committee was an organization that provided assistance to the families affected by the tragedy, offering support and aid in the aftermath of the fire.

The consequences of the fire sparked public outrage, prompted policy reforms, and had enduring impacts.

The chilling accounts of individuals falling and the profound stories of fear from the Triangle fire marked a crucial turning point for the advancement of occupational safety measures in the United States. The disaster's magnitude was intensified due to the overwhelming number of victims and their vulnerability, which ignited widespread demands for change that led to efforts to underscore the dangers of unregulated industrial settings, establish essential protections for workers, and call for owner accountability. The creation of the Factory Investigating Commission, a tactical move by the shrewd leaders of Tammany to transform the political landscape, continued to drive the momentum for reform even amid doubts about significant progress.

Public dismay and outrage were transformed into concrete reforms by individuals who held socialist views and championed progressive change.

Following the devastating fire, many New York residents, especially those involved in the early stages of clothing manufacturing unions, were skeptical that the disaster would result in any beneficial changes. They were familiar with the trend: initial shock and indignation would diminish as attention diverted, and entrenched authorities would subtly obstruct any substantial reforms. Von Drehle underscores the unpredictability of shifting situations, particularly in light of Tammany Hall's complete control over the political machinery of New York.

The shortcomings of the medical examiner's inquiry and the minimal consequences of prior workplace calamities

The authorities' initial reactions to the blaze further entrenched the despair among labor activists, solidifying their worry that meaningful changes were not being implemented. The coroner's jury in New York, tasked with probing the fire, concluded that the act of securing the Washington Place side doors did not amount to criminal negligence on the part of the factory proprietors. The disaster at the Triangle underscored for socialists, such as London, the notion that workers' welfare depended entirely on their own efforts. Earlier workplace disasters and large-scale tragedies, such as the horrific 1904 fire on the steamboat General Slocum, which killed more than a thousand people, most of them women and children, had inspired few lasting reforms. Interest in enhancing safety protocols waned quickly, despite the fact that the owners of the Slocum faced negligible consequences.

The establishment of the Committee on Safety, which linked affluent benefactors with dedicated social scientists

Even as the official inquiries faded in the midst of doubt and denial, progressive reformers and labor leaders saw a chance to harness the public's shock and outrage caused by the Triangle fire to drive significant and potentially historic social change. In a striking display of unity and resolve, the once disjointed and conflicting factions united to establish the Committee on Safety following the tumultuous labor disputes that erupted in the year 1909. Prominent figures, such as Anne Morgan, contributed substantial financial backing and exerted strong political sway. Florence Kelley, in collaboration with her colleagues from the Consumers' League, provided their specialized knowledge. Schneiderman played a pivotal role in establishing crucial connections between workers and their growing unions, in addition to prominent members of Local 25.

Rose Schneiderman delivered a notable speech at the Metropolitan Opera House, marking the assembly that focused on the imperative of transformation.

The Safety Committee organized a meeting at the Metropolitan Opera House on April 2, 1911, aiming to advocate for changes. The assembly drew a varied crowd, from wealthy backers to workers, united in their conviction that more stringent safety measures should be established. As the gathering neared its end, Rose Schneiderman rose to speak to those present. Her impassioned orations often emphasized the importance of solidarity during times of class strife, and for many who were present, it echoed previous sentiments from the disputes at the shirtwaist factory. During that particular evening, her speech was profoundly imbued with sorrow and was delivered with vehement anger. She characterized the contemporary manufacturing facility as a realm of severe agony, comparable to enduring medieval torture devices. She articulated her perspective on the negligible worth attributed to human existence compared to the profound respect for the sanctity of property. She then tasked her audience with acknowledging the unfortunate verdict that the public has been scrutinized and found lacking. The devastating blaze at the Triangle factory altered the perspectives of New York City's affluent, turning once radical subjects into mainstream conversation. Most, anyway.

The Factory Investigating Commission, in collaboration with the progressive initiatives initiated by the youthful reformists linked to Tammany Hall

The voyage began under a cloud of skepticism and was characterized by Rose Schneiderman's pointed disapproval of wealthy backers, ultimately culminating in a series of decisive legal victories that transformed the relationship between employees in New York and their employers. The remarkable transformation bore witness to the impact of a new generation of leaders within Tammany Hall, young and occasionally idealistic men who were elevated by Charles Murphy and subsequently liberated from his influence by the dynamics of change.

Charles Murphy played a pivotal role in the creation of the commission and was key to the appointment of Al Smith and Robert Wagner as members.

David von Drehle's narrative depicts the profound shift in Charles Murphy, who went from being a significant player in the Democratic realm of New York City to championing reform in the aftermath of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory catastrophe. While it is impossible to know what truly motivated Murphy’s changing views, his close friends, and most historians, have concluded that he saw government’s role as more than just delivering jobs and favors to supporters, and recognized that the survival of the Tammany organization depended on its capacity to adapt to the changing aspirations of the expanding immigrant community, as exemplified by the waistmakers on the Lower East Side. Murphy agreed to the demands for change by approving an investigation into industrial precautionary practices.

On June 30, 1911, after being reelected, John Dix, with backing from the formidable Tammany Hall political organization, signed into law measures that created a commission to examine working conditions and recommend improvements to safety standards. Murphy's swift actions significantly eroded the accomplishments achieved by the progressive movement. Murphy and his fellow lawmakers saw the reform movement as a significant force capable of transforming how the political elite were perceived by the public, opting not to establish a panel of esteemed, autonomous reform advocates. The decision by Murphy to appoint two youthful figures to lead his party in each chamber of the legislature took both advocates of change and media analysts by surprise. Robert Wagner climbed to the top of the state Senate at thirty-three, his background as a German-American and his affluent neighborhood upbringing standing in stark contrast to Al Smith, who left school at fourteen to work in the fish markets and climbed to the leadership of the Assembly at thirty-eight, deeply connected to the environment of the Lower East Side. Upon taking charge of the Factory Commission, the pair quickly nicknamed "the Tammany Twins" by the press, drove forward the reform movement, resulting in major changes to labor laws in the United States.

Frances Perkins and Rose Schneiderman played a pivotal role in drawing attention to the state of factory environments.

Smith and Wagner, recognizing the importance of building strong relationships with the activists, reformers, and social scientists who played a key role in the previous year's strike, extended invitations to these experts to participate in the Factory Commission. Perkins and George Price, who were associated with a cooperative effort involving the ILGWU and garment producers, named the Joint Board of Sanitary Control, focused on improving conditions in the workplace, conceived the strategy for the commission and put together a team to conduct research. As 1911 drew to a close, the team under Price's direction conducted thorough inspections of nearly two thousand industrial sites across the state, deepening their initial probe into the hazards highlighted by the Newark fire. Two years prior at Cooper Union, Clara Lemlich, known for her advocacy for various causes, was present among the assembly. Perkins, meanwhile, dispatched field agents to different bakeries and confectionery manufacturing sites, maintaining her previous collaborative work with the advocacy group for consumer protection. Wagner and Smith enhanced the commission's performance by obtaining advice from a legal authority who was known for his stance against Tammany. Smith regarded Belle Moskowitz as a key advisor, especially on measures aimed at enhancing the work environment within the shirtwaist industry, possibly to make amends for his earlier resistance to reform proponents; Belle was wed to Henry Moskowitz, who served on the Joint Board of Sanitary Control. As Moskowitz's career advanced, he gained significant influence over the political scene in the United States, working closely with Governor Smith.

The successful initiatives of the FIC resulted in widespread changes to the regulations governing workplaces across the entire state of New York.

The pair, frequently dubbed the Tammany Duo, indeed implemented significant and widespread reforms. During its two consecutive four-year terms situated in Albany, the Factory Commission played a pivotal role in the comprehensive reform of New York's worker safety regulations. The implementation of strict safety protocols, such as mandatory fire sprinklers, regular fire drills, and the requirement for doors to open outwards in large manufacturing buildings, was a direct result of the devastating blaze that occurred at the Triangle factory. The department responsible for labor within the state underwent organizational changes to guarantee rigorous enforcement of these laws. The commission also focused on initiatives that went beyond just safeguarding against fires and mitigating their effects. Legislators paid tribute to Frances Perkins' legacy by advancing the welfare of women in the workforce, taking steps to mitigate risks in bakery settings, and fostering better conditions for youthful workers, in recognition of the pioneers who spearheaded the shirtwaist workers' movement.

The sweeping transformations that shifted focus from the strikers to the implementation of substantial reforms not only emphasized the union leaders' astute and courageous tactics but also underscored Charles Murphy's foresight in guiding these initiatives. Following the Triangle fire, the tragedy propelled the victims from the shadows into the national consciousness, coinciding with a shift in the nation's political climate that leaned toward the progressive ideologies advocated by Al Smith and Franklin Roosevelt.

The manslaughter case against Harris and Blanck ended with a surprising outcome as they were found not guilty.

The book by David von Drehle emphasizes that the Triangle fire served as a pivotal event prompting major reforms, contrasting the notable legislative achievements of the Factory Investigating Commission with the common perception that factory proprietors evaded responsibility for their lethal decisions. The legal proceedings commenced in an atmosphere of public outrage and a clamor for justice, highlighted by press coverage filled with vivid accounts of the desperate struggle for survival, and culminated nine months afterward with the acquittal of the proprietors, who, with the skilled representation of Max Steuer, left the courthouse unscathed by any punitive measures.

Max Steuer's outstanding defense tactics resulted in the acquittal of the factory owners.

The Kings, consistent with their prior dedication shown during the shirtwaist strike, enlisted the services of Max Steuer, a lawyer celebrated for his outstanding skills and reputation, to defend them in court. Steuer utilized his profound understanding of legal complexities and psychological insights to devise a strategy that skillfully shifted blame onto the victims for his client's defense. He cast doubt on the jury's reliability by implying that the witnesses might have hidden agendas, proposed that the story of the locked exit could be a concoction, highlighted the confusion and disorder among the workers, and depicted the incident as a tragic twist of fate.

In 1913, the owners demonstrated their persistent severity and indifference by locking the factory door.

The unforeseen acquittal, a significant disappointment for those who sought responsibility from the owners for their neglect and disregard for safety, revealed not only the indifference of the owners but also the judicial system's lack of commitment to justice. Less than eighteen months after the tragedy, Blanck was apprehended for locking a door at his recently opened manufacturing facility. In the 1913 incident, Steuer altered his approach, conceding that the entrance had been fastened and argued that the chain lock Blanck had put in place was in accordance with the new state labor laws. Blanck's disdain for his employees was highlighted by his decision to lock the exit again, signaling a quick return to regular activities, even though he had already faced a fine of the same amount for this behavior.

Public opinion turned, calling for punishment to be directed toward the owners of the factory instead of persisting in the pursuit of change.

In his analysis of the judicial proceedings and their repercussions, the author highlights how the attention of the public moved from widespread institutional concerns to the accountability attributed to a pair of specific individuals. The trial influenced how the public viewed the Triangle fire, positioning it as an isolated incident and shifting focus away from the widespread dangers present in unchecked industrial environments, instead of spurring a movement for sweeping regulatory reform. Public sympathy, fueled by moving stories of the victims' struggles and the portrayal of the owners as unintended casualties, slowly diminished support for legal reforms and drained the momentum from the movement for change sparked by the labor conflicts within the clothing manufacturing industry. The judgment and ensuing developments marked a return to a time when hazardous work environments were the norm and blocking exits to prioritize profit over employee welfare was common, relegating Rosie Freedman and the numerous unnamed residents of Misery Lane to being forgotten by history.

Other Perspectives

• The Triangle fire was a crucial turning point, but it was one of many incidents that highlighted the need for better safety measures; other factors and events also played significant roles in the advancement of occupational safety.
• While the disaster did lead to demands for change, the extent to which these demands were met and the effectiveness of the resulting policies can be debated.
• The creation of the Factory Investigating Commission was a positive step, but its effectiveness and the extent of its impact over time could be scrutinized.
• The role of individuals with socialist views in transforming public dismay into concrete reforms may be overstated, as broader social and political movements also contributed to these changes.
• The despair among labor activists may not have been as universal as suggested, as some may have been more optimistic or had different perspectives on the potential for change.
• It could be argued that previous workplace calamities did inspire some reforms, even if they were not as lasting or widespread as desired.
• The Committee on Safety's impact might be seen as limited to certain social circles, and its effectiveness in driving change could be questioned.
• Rose Schneiderman's speech, while notable, was one of many efforts to advocate for change, and its direct impact on policy reform can be difficult to measure.
• The role of Tammany Hall and figures like Charles Murphy in the reform process could be viewed more critically, considering their complex political motivations and the broader context of their actions.
• The involvement of Frances Perkins and Rose Schneiderman in drawing attention to factory environments was significant, but other factors and individuals also played crucial roles in this process.
• The reforms resulting from the FIC's initiatives, while extensive, may not have been as comprehensive or enforced as necessary to prevent future workplace disasters.
• The not guilty verdict for Harris and Blanck could be seen as a reflection of the legal standards and practices of the time, rather than a failure of justice.
• Max Steuer's defense tactics, while successful, could be criticized for their ethical implications and the message they sent about accountability.
• The 1913 incident involving the factory owners locking the door again could be interpreted as a failure of the legal system to deter such behavior, rather than solely the owners' indifference.
• The shift in public opinion towards punishment for the owners instead of broader change could be seen as a natural response to a desire for justice, rather than a move away from systemic reform.