Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumProgressive Era Reforms and Influences

Source: New York State Factory Investigating Commission, Preliminary Report, 1912

"In the first place, the danger of fire is constant and great... The workers are crowded together, the machines are placed as close to each other as possible... In many of these places, the doors open inward, and in case of panic, the doors would be blocked by the crowd of workers rushing to escape, and a catastrophe would be inevitable... We recommend that all doors in factories and mercantile establishments open outward, or be sliding doors."

Which of the following was the most direct result of the public concern and state investigations described in the excerpt?

  1. The passage of state-level laws regulating workplace safety standards and labor conditionsAnswer
  2. B
    The formation of rural, agrarian coalitions seeking to nationalize key transportation and communication networks
  3. C
    A strict federal commitment to laissez-faire economic theory that prevented any legislative interference in private business
  4. D
    The creation of federal entitlement programs designed to guarantee direct healthcare and retirement benefits for industrial workers

Answer

The passage of state-level laws regulating workplace safety standards and labor conditions
The correct answer is correct because public outrage over industrial accidents like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire prompted investigations that led to concrete state-level reforms. These reforms included the creation of state safety codes, fire safety mandates, and regulatory oversight of factory conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the source and historical context of the stimulus.
The excerpt comes from the New York State Factory Investigating Commission in 1912, created in response to the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
Understanding the context helps connect the safety concerns in the text to the broader reform movements of the Progressive Era.
2
Identify the primary reform mechanism suggested in the text.
The text recommends regulatory actions, such as requiring factory doors to open outward to prevent entrapment during fires.
This establishes that the commission was advocating for legislative and regulatory intervention in private business operations.
3
Determine the historical outcome of these recommendations.
The work of these commissions resulted in states enacting safety codes, factory inspection laws, and workers' compensation programs.
This links the stimulus directly to the correct option, demonstrating how investigative reform translated into legislative action.

Key Concept

Progressive Era Workplace and Safety Reforms
Rate this question

Topics

Progressive Era Reforms and Influences

More questions from this topic