Which historical event led to the enactment of workers' compensation laws in various states?

The enactment of workers' compensation laws in various states was significantly influenced by the tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, which occurred in 1911. This catastrophic event highlighted the dangerous working conditions that employees faced, particularly in industries like manufacturing where safety protocols were often inadequate. The fire resulted in the deaths of 146 workers, many of whom were young women, and it exposed the lack of workplace protections and the need for systemic changes.

As a direct reaction to public outcry and awareness raised by this incident, states began to implement labor reforms, including the establishment of workers' compensation laws. These laws were designed to provide financial support and medical care to employees injured on the job, thereby ensuring that workers would not suffer undue hardship due to workplace accidents. This shift marked a pivotal moment in labor rights and the legal landscape surrounding employee protections.

While other listed events, such as the Great Chicago Fire or the Industrial Revolution in Britain, contributed to labor movement discussions, it was the Triangle Shirtwaist fire that acted as a catalyst for immediate legislative changes in the United States regarding workers' rights and safety.