Teens, immigrant and girls as young as 10 worked back in 1911, which was totally normal. For immigrants they were promised a better future and the American dream seemed tangible for everyone who worked hard enough. The women who worked from 12-18 hrs a day and were dependent on the money they would get at their job to support their family, since food was the main concern. Getting a job at the Shirtwaist Factory was a desired position, reson being that the factory was “modern”. As much as the factory was considered “modern” for its time, the environment was horrendous, and the government wouldn't intervene. The women were basically slaves to Max Blanck and Isaac Harris who were immigrants from Europe and have made the Shirtwaist Factory successful.
