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Loading... Triangle: The Fire that Changed America (2003)by David Von Drehle
I was aware of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. I knew that it was a landmark event in the history of U. S. Labor politics and that it was a terrible disaster with far reaching public reactions. I did not know, however, what an important position this event held in the formation of Progressive Politics in general and the F. D. R. juggernaut that shaped U. S. civil reform for several decades. The book was well written and, in particular, I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the mechanics of the Taminy Hall political world and the infant women's liberation movement. Very interesting. Glad I read it. I rarely recommend non-fiction as many have not only their own interests that may not be the same as yours, but you never know if they don't mind a dry read or if they mind someone who makes it read like a novel. Triangle is a happy medium for everyone. Not that it is an easy read. The tragedy it dissects is one that will break your heart. This is the story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. Fire of March, 1911, which killed 146 workers. It was the deadliest workplace disaster in New York City history until Sept 11, 2011, when the massive loss of life in the World Trade Center dwarfed the Triangle's death toll. It was also a catalyst for groundbreaking regulations dealing with working conditions and workplace safety. Author Von Drehle pieces together the details of the terrible fire clearly, and the reader gets a clear sense of the horror of the swift, deadly blaze. But every disaster, indeed every story, has a context -- and Von Drehle excels in explaining how this tragedy fit into the larger context of early 20th century New York. Immigration, the rise of unions, and the politics of Tammany Hall are all part of that context, and receive careful attention. A fascinating story about a dreadful tragedy at a pivotal time in our nation's history. Just finished Triangle the Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle. Great book - got better as it went. Billed as a social history, it addresses the factory fire that killed 140 workers in NYC in 1911. I have a big hole in my knowledge about history when it comes to that era, so glad I read it. Addressed unions, suffragettes, Tammany Hall, told through the lives of these people and their involvement in these issues specifically around the fire, including a lookback at their home countries and reason for immigrating. In a different time, I might have perceived it as a success story about unions and worker safety, but here we are in 2011 continuing on with greedy politicians and corporations, dirty legal tricks, still sending people to die in unsafe mines, and destroying unions again. Too sad. no reviews | add a review
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Must guess when I finished it.
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