Which event prompted the enactment of the Field Act?

The Field Act was enacted in response to the Long Beach earthquake, which occurred in 1933. This significant seismic event highlighted the inadequacies in the construction practices of schools in California. Following the earthquake, a thorough assessment revealed that many school buildings were structurally unsound and posed a risk to students and staff during seismic activity.

To address these safety concerns, the Field Act established stringent requirements for the design and construction of public school facilities, ensuring that they would be better equipped to withstand future earthquakes. The Act was a pivotal development in California's approach to earthquake safety, leading to the implementation of modern building codes and regulations that emphasize seismic resiliency in school construction.

This historical context is crucial as it illustrates the direct correlation between the Long Beach earthquake and the legislative action taken to enhance public safety in educational environments.