Which maritime disaster heightened public awareness of labor conditions in factories?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 is the correct response because it was a pivotal event that exposed the hazardous working conditions faced by laborers, particularly women in the garment industry. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 146 workers, many of whom were trapped in the building due to inadequate safety measures, such as locked doors and insufficient fire escapes. The public outrage following the fire led to increased awareness about the poor labor practices and insufficient safety regulations in factories.

This disaster sparked major reforms in labor laws and building codes, illustrating how tragic events can catalyze social change and greater scrutiny of industrial labor conditions. As a result, the fire played a significant role in the labor movement, highlighting the need for safer working environments and better protections for workers, especially women and immigrants who often worked in precarious conditions. The visibility of the tragedy and the ensuing public response directly contributed to the advancement of labor rights.