Question

read the passage.
the triangle shirtwaist fire
the early twentieth century was a difficult time for new york citys garment workers, many of whom were immigrant women who worked long hours in dangerous factories for poverty - level wages. after the garment workers went on strike in 1910, some factory owners improved their workplaces and allowed employees to join unions. the triangle shirtwaist factory was a notable exception: the owners resisted a union and continued to maintain shoddy working conditions. on march 25, 1911, a fire broke out at the factory. many workers were trapped inside; the rickety fire escape collapsed, and the only accessible exit had been locked. in all, 146 workers perished. the tragedy sparked public outrage about labor injustices, and citizens pressed their government to take action. consequently, over the next few years, new yorks legislature passed many laws designed to improve workplace safety.
what is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
despite a strike by garment workers, the owners of the triangle shirtwaist factory refused to support unionization.
because of the triangle shirtwaist factory fire, the government began to regulate working conditions in factories.
the triangle shirtwaist factory fire killed almost 150 factory workers, who were trapped inside due to a locked exit and a broken fire escape.

Explanation:

The passage starts by setting the context of poor working - conditions for garment workers. It then details the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and how it led to public outrage and government action in the form of laws to improve workplace safety. The main idea encompasses the cause - the fire, and the effect - government regulation.

Answer:

Because of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the government began to regulate working conditions in factories.