As the nation continues its incessant progression, one must not forget the foundational framework of history that influenced the structure of present-day America. Dismissing the 19th century and welcoming the 20th, the Progressive Era and the Gilded Age saw a rise in economical growth and brought an emergence of social advances that offered America the opportunity to flourish into the nation of achievable dreams. The “american dream” was desired by all, even by those across sea. It’s true, the nation was blooming vastly thanks to the Industrial Revolution. However, it was soon forced to confront social and economical issues that were brought about by those seeking better opportunity and reformation. While the working class physically pushed
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Immigrants, mostly from Europe, came to the states in search for a better life but started a reformation movement upon realizing the harsh truth of the american dream as part of the working class. “Eighteen thousand immigrants per month poured into New York City alone—and there were no public agencies to help them.” Along with those known as progressive reformers and trade unionists, the working class brought awareness to problems that they faced not only as their poverty affected their lives, but most importantly the problems they faced as a result of their work. They were cheap labor that helped the industries succeed by bringing in revenue. Work conditions were awful, hours were long, and wages were extremely low. The immigrants also lived in horrible, over crowded neighborhoods but due to their low wages, this was all they could afford. As described by Vohn Drehle, their neighborhoods were filled with “filthy housing, unsafe workplaces, garbage in the streets, orphans running wild, widespread vice and corruption.” Anzia Yezierska account shows how the lower class were looked down upon. “I was always feeling cheap like dirt, and mad that I had to be there, when they smiled down on us.” Although she was better off than most, she details a “vacation” stay at a seemingly nice house, however, this was not anything she expected. In order for her to attend this vacation house, she was interrogated three times. Those that were …show more content…
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was engulfed in flames on a Saturday afternoon. As a result of the factory’s owners neglect, nearly 145 workers lost their lives. This tragedy serves a purpose as the attention the reformers, immigrants, and working class had been seeking for years. Immediate attention was brought after the fire. Laws were passed to investigate the fire and future working conditions. Safety precautions were taken, as well. Workers were more reasonably striking and holding meetings to discuss their next steps. This led to another reason for the reform half succeeding. Politics benefitted from reformers more than the workers. “When these forces managed to unify themselves—as they did, briefly, during the shirtwaist strike and after the fire—their potential was undeniable.” Politicians were using the power of these groups to promote their platforms, such as Charles Murphy. Murphy sought to keep political power by supporting the
Immigrants, mostly from Europe, came to the states in search for a better life but started a reformation movement upon realizing the harsh truth of the american dream as part of the working class. “Eighteen thousand immigrants per month poured into New York City alone—and there were no public agencies to help them.” Along with those known as progressive reformers and trade unionists, the working class brought awareness to problems that they faced not only as their poverty affected their lives, but most importantly the problems they faced as a result of their work. They were cheap labor that helped the industries succeed by bringing in revenue. Work conditions were awful, hours were long, and wages were extremely low. The immigrants also lived in horrible, over crowded neighborhoods but due to their low wages, this was all they could afford. As described by Vohn Drehle, their neighborhoods were filled with “filthy housing, unsafe workplaces, garbage in the streets, orphans running wild, widespread vice and corruption.” Anzia Yezierska account shows how the lower class were looked down upon. “I was always feeling cheap like dirt, and mad that I had to be there, when they smiled down on us.” Although she was better off than most, she details a “vacation” stay at a seemingly nice house, however, this was not anything she expected. In order for her to attend this vacation house, she was interrogated three times. Those that were …show more content…
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was engulfed in flames on a Saturday afternoon. As a result of the factory’s owners neglect, nearly 145 workers lost their lives. This tragedy serves a purpose as the attention the reformers, immigrants, and working class had been seeking for years. Immediate attention was brought after the fire. Laws were passed to investigate the fire and future working conditions. Safety precautions were taken, as well. Workers were more reasonably striking and holding meetings to discuss their next steps. This led to another reason for the reform half succeeding. Politics benefitted from reformers more than the workers. “When these forces managed to unify themselves—as they did, briefly, during the shirtwaist strike and after the fire—their potential was undeniable.” Politicians were using the power of these groups to promote their platforms, such as Charles Murphy. Murphy sought to keep political power by supporting the