Final answer:
The correct answer is option a. The most terrible tragedy in New York before Sept. 11 was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, where 146 workers died in 1911 due to a fire in a locked facility, leading to reforms in building codes and workplace safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire:
The event known as the most terrible tragedy in New York before September 11 was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. On March 25, 1911, a devastating fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City, leading to the deaths of 146 workers. The majority of the victims were young immigrant women who could not escape the blaze as many exit doors were locked to prevent theft. Firefighters' ladders were insufficient to reach those trapped, and the women faced a horrific dilemma, with some leaping to their deaths. This tragedy finally brought nationwide attention to the dangerous working conditions in factories and led to significant improvements in building codes and workplace safety.
After the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, there was a substantial public outcry and a national movement toward reform. Protests and mourning demonstrations were widespread, culminating in stronger legislation for worker protection. Moreover, this incident raised awareness for the need to enhance firefighting techniques and equipment, a factor that had severely impacted the ability to rescue workers during the fire.