The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Summary

History Daily: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Episode Released: March 25, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham
Title: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

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Introduction

On March 25, 1911, tragedy struck the bustling heart of New York City when the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory caught fire, claiming the lives of 146 garment workers in less than 30 minutes. This catastrophic event not only marked the deadliest industrial disaster in New York's history but also served as a pivotal moment for labor reform and workers' rights in the United States.

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The Night of the Fire

At 4:45 PM, sixteen-year-old Ethel Monack was preparing to leave her post on the ninth floor of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory after a long 10-hour shift. However, her departure was abruptly halted when she noticed smoke emanating from the eighth floor window.

"March 25, 1911, at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. Sixteen year old garment worker Ethel Monack sits at her station on the ninth floor gazing out the window. It's 4:45 and she's about to go home after a grueling 10 hour shift."
— Lindsey Graham [00:19]

Ethel's initial attempt to evacuate via the crowded staircases proved futile as chaos ensued. The elevator was reportedly broken, leaving workers with limited escape options. Desperate and facing thickening smoke, Ethel sought refuge through a second staircase leading to Washington Street. However, the door was locked, prompting frantic attempts to break it down alongside her fellow workers.

"She pulls on the door, but it's locked. She pulls again, frantically, hoping it's only stuck, but it won't budge."
— Lindsey Graham [01:19]

With fire spreading rapidly, some workers' protective clothing caught fire, exacerbating the panic. As escape routes became increasingly blocked, Ethel contemplated a perilous jump from the factory windows but hesitated, fearing the fatal consequences.

"Ethel turns to the nearest window and looks down at a gathering crowd of shock spectators below. With nowhere else to turn, Ethel considers jumping out..."
— Lindsey Graham [01:55]

Fortunately, Ethel was pulled back from the edge and managed to escape via an operational elevator, although she was spared the horrific fate that befell many of her colleagues.

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Immediate Aftermath and Impact

The fire's rapid spread was a direct result of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory's unsafe working conditions, a common issue in New York's numerous sweatshops at the time. Locked doors intended to prevent theft or unauthorized breaks had tragically become death traps. The incident highlighted the critical need for improved workplace safety and labor rights.

"The Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire killed 146 garment workers in less than 30 minutes. It was the worst industrial accident in New York's history, caused by a confluence of unsafe working conditions common to the city's hundreds of sweatshops."
— Narrator [02:32]

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Galvanizing the Labor Movement

Prior to the fire, the labor movement in New York City was gaining momentum, with workers organizing and striking for better rights despite facing significant resistance from authorities and factory owners. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire served as a catalyst, uniting workers across industries and igniting a fervent push for legislative reforms.

Rose Schneiderman, a key figure in the labor movement, emerged prominently in the wake of the disaster. As a Polish immigrant who had firsthand experience with unsafe factory conditions, Rose became a vocal advocate for workers' rights and safety regulations.

"Rose Schneiderman... found her knack for organizing and decided to dedicate her life to workers' rights."
— Lindsey Graham [05:34]

In April 1911, Rose addressed a memorial gathering at the Metropolitan Opera, passionately condemning the negligence that led to such a tragedy and urging immediate legislative action to prevent future occurrences.

"She condemns them for their inaction, comparing the industrial machinery the city's poor work at every day to torture devices used in the Spanish Inquisition."
— Narrator [08:29]

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Legal Proceedings: The Trial of Blanc and Harris

Factory owners Max Blanc and Isaac Harris faced legal repercussions following the fire. Indicted on charges of manslaughter, the trial aimed to hold them accountable for violating labor codes, particularly the prohibition against locking exit doors during business hours.

Assistant District Attorney Charles Botwick led the prosecution, presenting testimony that highlighted the dangerous conditions within the factory. Notable among the witnesses was Kate Alterman, who provided a harrowing account of witnessing a colleague's death and her own perilous escape.

"Kate initially joined Margaret in trying to break it down, but then Margaret's dress caught fire. She fell to the floor and burned to death in seconds."
— Narrator [14:06]

Despite compelling evidence, the defense, headed by renowned trial lawyer Max Steuer, successfully cast doubt on the owners' knowledge of the locked doors, leading to a surprising verdict of not guilty after only two hours of jury deliberation.

"The jurors believe that the door was locked, but that Blanc and Harris did not know about it."
— Lindsey Graham [16:26]

The verdict fueled public outrage, demonstrating the challenges faced by the labor movement in securing justice and enforcing safety standards.

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Reforms and Legislative Changes

In response to the public outcry and activism sparked by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, New York lawmakers established the Factory Investigating Commission in June 1911. This commission undertook extensive investigations into working conditions across over 3,000 factories in the state, leading to significant legislative reforms.

"They pass a law creating the Factory Investigating Commission... forcing factory owners to abide by stricter safety and sanitation measures."
— Lindsey Graham [09:13]

Key reforms included outlawing locked factory doors, routine inspections of fire escapes, improved ventilation, and mandatory safety guards on machinery. These changes not only enhanced the safety of industrial workers in New York but also set a precedent for labor regulations nationwide.

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Long-Term Consequences and Legacy

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire left an indelible mark on American labor history, inspiring future generations to fight for workers' rights and safety. Frances Perkins, who witnessed the fire firsthand, leveraged her experience to become the first woman appointed to a presidential cabinet as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Her efforts were instrumental in shaping the New Deal, which further entrenched labor protections and social security systems in the United States.

"She later claimed that the New Deal was born the day 146 garment workers perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire on March 25, 1911."
— Narrator [21:59]

While factory owners initially evaded full accountability, the tragedy underscored the necessity for sustained advocacy and regulatory oversight to protect workers from exploitation and unsafe working environments.

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Conclusion

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of industrial negligence and the enduring struggle for workers' rights. Through the relentless efforts of activists like Rose Schneiderman and Frances Perkins, the disaster spurred meaningful reforms that continue to influence labor laws and workplace safety standards today. History Daily commemorates this pivotal event, honoring the lives lost and the progress achieved in the ongoing quest for fair and safe working conditions.

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This summary is based on the transcript provided and adheres to the guidelines of excluding advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to deliver a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode.

Transcript

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[Lindsey Graham]

March 25, 1911, at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. Sixteen year old garment worker Ethel Monack sits at her station on the ninth floor gazing out the window. It's 4:45 and she's about to go.

[Narrator]

Home after a grueling 10 hour shift.

[Lindsey Graham]

But she notices something odd smoke rising.

[Narrator]

In front of the window.

[Lindsey Graham]

She leans out and sees flames below.

[Narrator]

Her erupting from the eighth floor. Recoiling, she turns and shouts fire. To the other women who are all.

[Lindsey Graham]

Still sitting at their machines.

[Narrator]

Ethel runs for the staircase leading down to Greene street, but too many other.

[Lindsey Graham]

Workers have done the same. There's no way for Ethel to push through. Instead, she turns to the elevator, where another desperate crowd has formed. Over screams and cries, Ethel hears someone say that the elevator is broken.

[Narrator]

Ducking under the thickening smoke, Ethel runs.

[Lindsey Graham]

For the second staircase leading to Washington Street. She pulls on the door, but it's locked. She pulls again, frantically, hoping it's only stuck, but it won't budge.

[Narrator]

Other women join her in heaving and.

[Lindsey Graham]

Pushing at the door, pounding their fists against it in a futile effort to break it down. The flames are now everywhere. Some of the women's dresses are beginning to catch fire. Some women's hair have already caught. Finally, Ethel looks to the fire escape, which is on the opposite side of the room, but like the Green street staircase, it's too packed with people for.

[Narrator]

Anyone to get through.

[Lindsey Graham]

Ethel turns to the nearest window and looks down at a gathering crowd of shock spectators below. With nowhere else to turn, Ethel considers jumping out, but the thought of tumbling.

[Narrator]

Down and hitting the pavement is too.

[Lindsey Graham]

Much and so she hesitates. Then someone grabs her shoulder and pulls her away and into the elevator, which is operational after all.

[Narrator]

As Ethel descends slowly to safety, she.

[Lindsey Graham]

Tears at her hair and face, hoping.

[Narrator]

To wake up from a nightmare.

[Lindsey Graham]

But it's not a dream, and once Ethel makes it out of the building.

[Narrator]

And onto the street, she sees the.

[Lindsey Graham]

Horrifying reality of what's happening.

[Narrator]

Looking up to watch helplessly as dozens.

[Lindsey Graham]

Of women leap from the windows as Ethel considered doing herself, burning as they fall and crumpling on the pavement. The Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire killed 146 garment workers in less than 30 minutes. It was the worst industrial accident in New York's history, caused by a confluence.

[Narrator]

Of unsafe working conditions common to the city's hundreds of sweatshops.

[Lindsey Graham]

A labor movement was already stirring in New York City. Before that day, workers of all industries.

[Narrator]

Were organizing, forming unions and striking for rights. But they had met stiff resistance from.

[Lindsey Graham]

Police, politicians and factory owners until the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire galvanized the movement.

[Narrator]

And its leaders called for legislation to prevent another tragedy like the fire, which.

[Lindsey Graham]

Killed so many on March 25, 1911.

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[Lindsey Graham]

From Noiser and Airship, I'm Lindsey Graham and this is History Daily. History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories.

[Narrator]

Of the people and events that shaped our world.

[Lindsey Graham]

Today is March 25, 1911 the Triangle.

[Narrator]

Shirtwaist Factory fire it's April 2, 1911 at the Metropolitan Opera in Manhattan. At a memorial gathering held eight days after the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, Rose Schneiderman, a tiny, redheaded 29.

[Lindsey Graham]

Year old, stands before a large audience.

[Narrator]

Of union leaders and politicians calling for their attention. Rose is a Polish immigrant.

[Lindsey Graham]

Her family moved to New York when.

[Narrator]

She was 8 years old and she started working in garment factories at 16, making caps in a dim, crowded building on the Lower east side. A fire broke out soon after she began working there, which terrified her. She asked management to address safety concerns like blocked exits. When she was ignored, she organized the first all woman chapter in the United.

[Lindsey Graham]

Cloth Hat, Cap and Millinery Workers Union.

[Narrator]

Traditionally A male organization. After that, she realized she had a.

[Lindsey Graham]

Knack for organizing and decided to dedicate.

[Narrator]

Her life to workers rights.

[Lindsey Graham]

At 23, Rose made a name for.

[Narrator]

Herself, delivering speeches during the New York.

[Lindsey Graham]

Catmakers strike of 1905. Four years later, during the shirtwaist workers strike of 1909, Rose took on a.

[Narrator]

Leadership role, rising to the vice presidency.

[Lindsey Graham]

Of the powerful Women's Trade Union League. The Shirtwaist Workers strike was the largest all woman strike in U.S. history and ground the garment industry to a halt. The organizers demanded reforms to their 70 hour workweek.

[Narrator]

Increased wages from $4 per day to 5. Still half that would have men earned and improved safety conditions.

[Lindsey Graham]

Factory fire escapes were commonly old and rusted, and factory owners often locked their.

[Narrator]

Workers inside to prevent them from taking unapproved breaks or stealing merchandise.

[Lindsey Graham]

Out of the city's 600 garment factories and shops, the Triangle shirtwaist factory was.

[Narrator]

The first to strike.

[Lindsey Graham]

The factory's owners, Max Blanc and Isaac Harris, refused their workers demands.

[Narrator]

They did not trust unions, and when.

[Lindsey Graham]

The workers ceased production and began demonstrating.

[Narrator]

On the street, they hired beggars and.

[Lindsey Graham]

Sex workers to attack the protesters, hoping to scare them into dispersing. They also bribed the police to watch.

[Narrator]

On and arrest any strikers who defended themselves.

[Lindsey Graham]

Two months later, a general strike was called in solidarity with the Triangle factory workers. Led by Rose, 30,000 garment workers all.

[Narrator]

Over the city stopped working and started demonstrating.

[Lindsey Graham]

Like Rose, nearly half of the city's.

[Narrator]

Garment workers were Yiddish speaking Jews and recent immigrants from Poland or Russia. Back in Europe, many were active in a socialist reformer party known as the Bund. So they knew how to organize, provide.

[Lindsey Graham]

For one another, and how to withstand pressure.

[Narrator]

Their efforts worked because in early 1910, factory owners and union organizers reached an agreement. Wages would increase by 20% and weekly hours would decrease by 10. But Triangle Factory owners Blanc and Harris refused to address the safety concerns at their factory. A year later, when the fire broke out, the locked doors and the rusted fire escape which collapsed under the weight of fleeing workers, caused a massive death toll. Now, eight days after that inferno, Rose Schneiderman addresses an audience of influential elites gathered at the Metropolitan Opera.

[Lindsey Graham]

She condemns them for their inaction, comparing.

[Narrator]

The industrial machinery the city's poor work at every day to torture devices used.

[Lindsey Graham]

In the Spanish Inquisition.

[Narrator]

Rose asks why the lives of working.

[Lindsey Graham]

Women are so expendable and why property and profit are so sacred. Then she calls for immediate legislative action.

[Narrator]

Three days later, in pouring rain, Rose leads a funeral parade of 140,000 workers. Six horses pull an empty hearse down Fifth Avenue, followed by a procession of survivors. 250,000 more stand in solidarity with the.

[Lindsey Graham]

Marchers and pay their respects as spectators. This massive demonstration attracts the attention of.

[Narrator]

Lawmakers in Albany, who heed Rose's demands.

[Lindsey Graham]

In June, they pass a law creating the Factory Investigating Commission.

[Narrator]

Taking advice from consultants like Rose, this commission investigates the working conditions at over 3,000 factories in New York State, from meatpacking plants and bakeries to garment factories and chemical manufacturers. They hold 59 hearings and collect testimony from nearly 500 witnesses, mostly workers who attest to unsafe conditions. They interview union leaders and safety experts, expanding the scope of the investigation to stop the spread of infectious diseases, which are all too common in factories.

[Lindsey Graham]

Then 13 of the 17 bills submitted.

[Narrator]

By the commission to the New York.

[Lindsey Graham]

State Legislature eventually become law, forcing factory.

[Narrator]

Owners to abide by stricter safety and sanitation measures. Locked factory doors are outlawed and fire.

[Lindsey Graham]

Escapes are routinely inspected.

[Narrator]

Buildings are modified for greater ventilation and.

[Lindsey Graham]

Machines are equipped with safety guards.

[Narrator]

Beyond improving conditions for hundreds of thousands.

[Lindsey Graham]

Of industrial workers in New York, the.

[Narrator]

Commission will also bring workers rights and safety into the national consciousness.

[Lindsey Graham]

Many other states will soon establish their own safety commissions.

[Narrator]

But reforms don't heal the anger that Rose and others feel in the wake of the tragedy at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory. The survivors of the fire want justice.

[Lindsey Graham]

They will soon have their chance, as factory owners Max Blanc and Isaac Harris are about to stand trial.

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[Lindsey Graham]

It's December 4, 1911.

[Narrator]

Nine months after the deadly fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory.

[Lindsey Graham]

The factory's owners, Max Blanc and Isaac.

[Narrator]

Harris, known as the Shirtwaist Kings of.

[Lindsey Graham]

New York, walk up the stairs into a Manhattan courthouse. An angry crowd of relatives of the victims are waiting for them, jeering the men as they enter the building.

[Narrator]

Immediately after the fire, Blanc and Harris were asked by the press for comments.

[Lindsey Graham]

In the face of all evidence to the contrary. The two men claimed that their factory was fireproof proof and had just recently been inspected and improved by the Department of Buildings.

[Narrator]

The district attorney dismissed these claims and.

[Lindsey Graham]

Indicted both men on charges of manslaughter. Now the prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Charles Botwick, seeks to prove that Blanc and Harris knowingly violated a labor code which prevents doors from being locked during business hours. The defense, led by the notoriously skilled trial lawyer Max Steuer, intends to prove.

[Narrator]

That Blanc and Harris didn't know that.

[Lindsey Graham]

The door was locked. DA Boswick focuses his attention on the ninth floor, where most of the deaths occurred over several days. He calls 103 witnesses to the stand.

[Narrator]

The other door leading to Washington street.

[Lindsey Graham]

Was locked all day and remained so under most circumstances. This allowed Blanc and Harris to easily.

[Narrator]

Search every worker's bag as they left each day via the Green street exit.

[Lindsey Graham]

Though there were very little evidence their workers were stealing from them, Blanc and Harris still fixated on the idea. Botswick argues that this locked door contributed directly to dozens of deaths.

[Narrator]

He calls Kate Alterman to the stand, who says she watched her friend Margaret Schwartz die right in front of the door. Kate initially joined Margaret in trying to.

[Lindsey Graham]

Break it down, but then Margaret's dress caught fire. She fell to the floor and burned.

[Narrator]

To death in seconds. Kate goes on to provide a shocking account of her own escape, detailing how she turned her coat inside out so.

[Lindsey Graham]

The flammable fur was not exposed, covered her hair with scrap cloth, and sprinted.

[Narrator]

Into the flames, filling the green street staircase.

[Lindsey Graham]

Instead of trying to run down to the street, she climbed to the roof.

[Narrator]

Where she waited for firemen to rescue her. It's moving testimony and seemingly damning for Blanc and Harris.

[Lindsey Graham]

But while cross examining Kate, attorney Steuer.

[Narrator]

Unveils the defense's devious strategy. He asks Kate to repeat her story.

[Lindsey Graham]

About watching Margaret die again and again.

[Narrator]

Kate repeats certain phrases with each rendition.

[Lindsey Graham]

And Steuer points this out to the.

[Narrator]

Jury, claiming that the witnesses had been.

[Lindsey Graham]

Coached by the prosecution. When it's again Bostwick's turn to question the witness, he points out that Kate.

[Narrator]

Alterman only repeated answers when asked repeated questions, questions. But the damage is done. After that, it's Steuer's turn to call witnesses. He calls mostly men, clerks, salesmen, engineers.

[Lindsey Graham]

Painters and security guards to recall occasions on which they pass through the supposedly.

[Narrator]

Locked Washington street door.

[Lindsey Graham]

His star witness is Mae Levantini, a factory worker who claims the key to.

[Narrator]

The lock hung next to the door.

[Lindsey Graham]

On a piece of string. She recalls opening the door and finding.

[Narrator]

Flames on the other side, closing the.

[Lindsey Graham]

Door and running for the elevator.

[Narrator]

District Attorney Botswick accuses her of lying.

[Lindsey Graham]

Pointing out that dozens of other women.

[Narrator]

Reported escaping down the Washington street steps from other levels, and none recalled flames in the stairway.

[Lindsey Graham]

But May sticks to her story.

[Narrator]

After three weeks of testimony, both sides rest their cases.

[Lindsey Graham]

The jury deliberates for just two hours and returns with a verdict.

[Narrator]

Not guilty.

[Lindsey Graham]

The jurors believe that the door was.

[Narrator]

Locked, but that Blanc and Harris did not know about it.

[Lindsey Graham]

Upon hearing this verdict, the gallery erupts.

[Narrator]

In anger as the victorious factory owners flee the courtroom.

[Lindsey Graham]

Surrounded by police.

[Narrator]

They are escorted to safety while a.

[Lindsey Graham]

Mob chases them down the street demanding justice. But less than two years later, Blanc.

[Narrator]

And Harris will again face charges over unsafe conditions in their factory. They are accused of locking another vital exit door. And what's more, it's found that they allow scraps of highly flammable cloth to be piled six feet high in wicker baskets, practically inviting another fire to start under their watch.

[Lindsey Graham]

This time, they will be found guilty.

[Narrator]

And fined $20 for the infractions. The year after this, the families of the fire's victims will finally win a civil suit against the factory owners, who will be forced to pay $75 to every family.

[Lindsey Graham]

Ultimately, though, Blanc and Harris will profit from the tragedy.

[Narrator]

Their insurance company pays them $400 per victim, while reformers like Rose Schneiderman succeeded in bringing about change in the fire's.

[Lindsey Graham]

Aftermath, the titans of industry seem untouchable. It will take greater influence to win.

[Narrator]

Justice for workers, which will finally come when a witness to the fire is.

[Lindsey Graham]

Appointed to the presidential CAS this new year.

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[Narrator]

It's March 4, 1933, in Washington, D.C. 22 years after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. President Franklin Roosevelt has just arrived in the Oval Office after delivering his inaugural address to the nation. The Great Depression is devastating the country and Americans are desperate for relief.

[Lindsey Graham]

Frances Perkins stands before Roosevelt.

[Narrator]

She's about to be sworn in as.

[Lindsey Graham]

The President's Labor Secretary, making her the.

[Narrator]

First woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet. Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo stands ready to administer her oath.

[Lindsey Graham]

Frances was working to help the Poor.

[Narrator]

Long before the Great Depression ravaged the nation, making her uniquely qualified for the cabinet position.

[Lindsey Graham]

Her college thesis at Columbia University was.

[Narrator]

A paper studying malnutrition in New York City children. And when she graduated in 1910, she.

[Lindsey Graham]

Went to work for the city inspecting.

[Narrator]

Sanitation conditions in bakeries.

[Lindsey Graham]

On the day of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, Frances was having tea with friends in nearby Washington Square Park. Following the sounds of sirens, she arrived.

[Narrator]

On the scene in time to see women leaping from the windows. Frances was horrified and immediately went to work for the newly formed Factory Investigating Commission.

[Lindsey Graham]

She rose to become the commission's Executive secretary. Then in 1928, under then governor Roosevelt.

[Narrator]

She was appointed New York State Industrial Commissioner. And when Roosevelt won the presidency in.

[Lindsey Graham]

1932, he asked Frances to serve as his Secretary of Labor.

[Narrator]

She agreed under several conditions.

[Lindsey Graham]

First, that he pass a Social Security act establishing old age pensions, unemployment payments.

[Narrator]

Workers compensation and aid to the disabled. Second, that he establish a minimum wage and a 40 hour work week. And third, that he ban child labor.

[Lindsey Graham]

Roosevelt agreed to Frances demands. And now he sits at his desk while Justice Cardozo asks Francis to lay.

[Narrator]

Her left hand on the Bible.

[Lindsey Graham]

She does and raises her right hand. By the time President Roosevelt dies in 1945, Frances Perkins will have helped the.

[Narrator]

President accomplish all of the goals she set for the nation 12 years earlier.

[Lindsey Graham]

Her programs will become part of what's.

[Narrator]

Known as the New Deal.

[Lindsey Graham]

And though Roosevelt now receives most of.

[Narrator]

The credit for guiding the nation through.

[Lindsey Graham]

The Great Depression, it was Frances Perkins.

[Narrator]

Experience fighting for the poor in New York City which informed her policies.

[Lindsey Graham]

She later claimed that the New Deal.

[Narrator]

Was born the day 146 garment workers.

[Lindsey Graham]

Died perishing in the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire on March 25, 1911. Next on History Daily, March 26, 1964. The smash hit musical Funny Girl opens on Broadway and puts rocket boosters under.

[Advertiser]

The career of its star, Barbra Streisand.

[Lindsey Graham]

From Noiser and Airship, this Is History Daily hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohammed Shazib Sound design by Molly Bach Music by Thrum this episode is written and researched by Owen Long. Edited by Dorian Murray Managing producer Emily Burke Executive producers are William Simpson for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.

[Advertiser]

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