Legislation1912
Sinking of the Titanic Prompts Maritime Safety Reform
The RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg, killing more than 1,500 people. The disaster prompted congressional hearings led by Senator William Alden Smith of Michigan, resulting in sweeping maritime safety legislation.
Why It Matters
Congressional response to the Titanic disaster demonstrated the federal government's power to regulate commerce for public safety and led to the Radio Act of 1912 and international safety conventions.