46 pages • 1 hour read
Triangle: The Fire That Changed America
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Book Brief
340
Book • Nonfiction
New York City • 1910s
2003
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle recounts the harrowing 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that claimed 146 lives, primarily young immigrant women, and explores its broader social and political ramifications, highlighting themes such as immigrant labor's role in economic development, the impact of industrialization on labor conditions, and how tragedy can spur social reform. The book includes sensitive descriptions of workplace hazards and fatalities.
Informative
Dark
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Von Drehle's Triangle has been praised for its detailed and compelling narrative about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Reviewers commend the extensive research and emotional depth that brings historical events to life. However, some criticize the heavy focus on background details, which occasionally detracts from the main story. Overall, it’s a well-rounded historical account.
Who Should Read Triangle?
A reader who would enjoy Triangle by David Von Drehle is likely a history enthusiast with an interest in early 20th-century American labor movements and industrial disasters. Comparable to The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, this book appeals to those who appreciate well-researched, narrative-driven accounts of historical events.
Max Blanck and Isaac Harris
Max Blanck and Isaac Harris
Owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, which became a major player in New York's garment industry; they faced legal challenges following the tragic factory fire in 1911.
Clara Lemlich
Clara Lemlich
An immigrant labor activist who played a crucial role in organizing garment workers and was a central figure in the 1909 general strike of shirtwaist makers.
Charles F. Murphy
Charles F. Murphy
The influential boss of New York's Tammany Hall, who was known for transforming its image and helping to implement progressive policies in the early 20th century.
Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins
The first female U.S. secretary of labor, she was a passionate advocate for workers' rights and witnessed the Triangle fire, which deepened her commitment to workplace safety reforms.
Alfred E. Smith
Alfred E. Smith
A prominent New York Democratic politician and four-term governor, he was instrumental in progressive reform efforts after the Triangle fire.
Robert F. Wagner
Robert F. Wagner
A United States senator from New York and a key figure in labor reform, he helped lead the investigations and subsequent reforms following the Triangle fire.
Charles Whitman
Charles Whitman
New York's district attorney at the time of the Triangle fire, he sought justice by pursuing charges against the factory's owners after the tragedy.
Max Steuer
Max Steuer
A skilled defense attorney in New York, he successfully defended the Triangle factory owners against manslaughter charges following the 1911 fire.
340
Book • Nonfiction
New York City • 1910s
2003
Adult
14-18 years
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