A Crossroads Resource

Unit VII: What, Then, Is This American? ca. 1865 - 1900

Question/Problem 10: Describe the working conditions in factories in the late 19th century.


Comparison of Working Conditions Worksheet

Directions:

Use information from the readings about the Triangle Shirtwaist fire and the Imperial Foods Co. fire to fill in the chart below.

QUESTIONSshirtwaist fire (1911)food processing fire (1991)
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1. How many
deaths?

2. What started
the fire?

3. What were the
causes of death?

4. What prevented
people from
escaping?

5. Give examples
of panic among
workers.

6. Give examples
of buildings not
being prepared
for fire.

Draw a conclusion: If you were checking factories for fire safety, what would you look for?


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