March 25th marked the 110th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire where 146 garment workers lost their lives in a fatal fire. However, in 1909 Clara Lemlich organized the Uprising of 20,000, a large demonstration where the female garment workers demanded better pay and shorter hours. When the shop doors reopened, the women’s demands were met. Yet, the improvements were not enough, less than two years later the fatal fire would take the lives of many of the workers. When it comes to thinking about civic action, when is it the right time to demand and organize? The deadly fire led to a series of reforms, but was it too late? The 1909 strike had been successful, but was it enough? 

Here is a joyous image of women gathering to strike during the Uprising of 20,000. 

Here is a much starker image of coffins from the aftermath of the fire.

  Social Studies/History     civicaction    protest    workershistory labormovements