The Great Molasses Flood

Questions and Answers

Which city experienced The Great Molasses Flood of 1919?

Boston (correct)

New York City

San Francisco

Chicago

What is molasses usually used for?

Making candy

Adding to cookie recipes (correct)

Baking bread

Flavoring beverages

How much molasses was stored in the tank that burst?

1 million gallons

2.3 million gallons (correct)

10 million gallons

5 million gallons

What caused the tank to burst?

Rivets popping out Signup and view all the answers

Which community is the oldest residential community in Boston?

North End Signup and view all the answers

What were the consequences of the Boston Molasses Disaster?

Many people were killed and injured, buildings were destroyed, and the area was left covered in sticky molasses. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the tank bursting?

The tank was poorly constructed, with weak rivets and insufficient safety measures. Signup and view all the answers

How did the molasses flood impact the North End community?

The molasses flood caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, and it also led to the loss of lives and injuries within the community. Signup and view all the answers

What were the challenges faced during the cleanup process after the disaster?

The sticky and viscous nature of molasses made it difficult to clean up. It seeped into buildings, streets, and crevices, requiring extensive effort to remove. Signup and view all the answers

What measures were taken to prevent similar disasters in the future?

After the disaster, stricter regulations and safety standards were implemented for storage tanks, ensuring better construction and maintenance practices. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 occurred in Boston, Massachusetts.
Molasses is a thick, brown liquid commonly used as a sweetener in food and beverages.

Cause of the Disaster

The tank that burst stored approximately 2.3 million gallons of molasses.
The tank burst due to a combination of factors, including a faulty design, inadequate construction, and inadequate maintenance.

Impact on the Community

The disaster occurred in the North End, the oldest residential community in Boston.
The consequences of the Boston Molasses Disaster were severe, with 21 people killed, 150 injured, and widespread destruction of homes and businesses.

Cleanup and Prevention

The cleanup process was particularly challenging due to the sticky, viscous nature of molasses, which made it difficult to remove from the streets and buildings.
To prevent similar disasters in the future, measures were taken to improve tank design, construction, and maintenance, as well as to enhance safety regulations and emergency response protocols.