Being a Worker Today and in 1912

The evolution of working conditions has changed over the years. Factories in the Unites States used young girls between 14 and 18 years old to work in the factories. The conditions for the workers at that time were terrible because workers had no right. For example, in the novel Uprising there were two immigrants girls who worked in the Triangle Factory. They made less than 4 dollars a week. They did not have breaks, could not drink water, and could not go to the restroom. In this interesting book based in a real story, we can see a clear example of explotation to immigrant workers. At this time working conditions has changed in many ways. For example now we have more laws who protected citizens and immigrants, and there are rules to protect the workers. In those days explotation to workers immigrants still happen but not in extremely conditions. Now we can require our rights in any job. (Rosario, Marisela, and Irene)

Immigration in the 20th Century

Immigration in the early 20th century in New York City was mostly from Italy and Russia. People from Italy immigrated to New York City because in their country they were starving. Likewise, people from Russia immigrated to New York City to escape from the pogroms. However, the government did not do enough to stop the injustice and sometimes actively and encouraged it. In addition, Uprising gives us a good picture owners eager to exploit their desperation, ignorance, and subservience. Nevertheless many immigrants came to America supposedly believing anything was possible, but it was not always true. In brief, still even though today the political focus is on illegal immigration, more and more stories are coming out about immigrants working in the United States in unbelievable circumstances. (Becky, Haydee, and Yaneth)

The Ramifications of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

The events of 1911 changed the life of future workers. Thanks to activist that were worried about it would kill the reform movement. Two years later there were laws about automatic sprinklers in high- rise buildings, mandatory fire drills in large businesses, requirements for doors being unlocked and swinging outward. And there were other protections for workers especially for women and children. A woman called Frances Perkins saw everything firsthand. Two decades later when she became Secretary of Labor she made her first female cabinet officer in America history. She carried the memories with her and made many of the reforms nationwide. In conclusion, she put it “The Triangle Fire” was the first day of the New Deal. (Reyna, Nydia, Nolberto)

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and Working Conditions

In the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, the working conditions were very bad because the workers were mistreated. The supervisor did not let them go to the bathroom and women needed to stay in their machines all day. Also they closed the exit to prevent robberies. They worked nine to ten hours per day. For these reasons, they decided to make a strike. In conclusion, the strike helped the workers make their rights known and valued.

(Angel, Maribel, Miguel)

The Differences among Social Classes in the “Gilded Age” as Shown in Uprising

Rich people lived in huge mansions with servants for everything while poor people were crowded in tenements where they had to share everything, without privacy and suffering sexual harassment. Mr. Blank and all other company owners had the power over workers, most of whom were immigrants. Workers such as Bella and Yetta had to work in the worst conditions, long hours without breaks and unsafe conditions. Immigrants or the lower social class were discriminated even by people of their own class like when Bella was living with the Luciano family. After long hours of work, she was forced to make flower arrangements by Mrs. Luciano, her landlady. There was also corruption; for example, company owners were connected with government to facilitate the exploitation of lower classes. To sum up, Uprising shows the great difference that existed between the social classes in the early 20th century, and the various social roles they played. (Rosario, Lidia, and Antonia)

Lives and Dreams of Young Girls: Today and the Early 20th Century

Today and the early 20th century the young girls have had almost the same dreams and ways of lives. In Uprising, we can find some examples of challenges that women faced during that time. They did not have right to vote, and they neither had the opportunity to go to school. Also, they did not have unions for protecting their rights in the factories. However, all those problems they faced, women fought to achieve their goals. Nowadays, the way of life for women is better, but they still have problems like in the past. Now women try to achieve higher goals such as becoming famous athletes, business managers, leaders, even presidents of a country. In brief, the fight those women carried, was helpful for this generation, but women still continue fighting for a better life and to be equal as men. (Nelida, Lilia, Luis)

Uprising: Recommendations

We recommend Uprising because it is a very sad and interesting story based in real facts. This story shows the hard life for immigrants in New York City in the early days of the 1900’s. It also shows a wide difference between rich and poor people. This novel illustrates how young women were exploited by their own bosses while they were working. Furthermore, it tells about the bad conditions for workers in those times. In addition, in this novel you learn how a tragedy changed the bad conditions and also improved the salaries for all the workers. This novel is recommended to teenagers and adults because by reading it they can learn about how difficult life used to be in those times. (Fernando, Mario, and Marisela)

Uprising: A Historical Novel

Why is it a good novel? Uprising is a good novel for several reasons. First, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the Shirtwaist Factory Strike really happened. In addition, all the characters were based on the real life of those days. In the novel, we can know about the working conditions in the factories and even know how the immigrant people had to live. In brief, we think that this novel is outstanding as a young adult historical work of fiction. (Erika and Daniel)