Progressive era

What caused the Progressive Era to emerge?

The problems created by rapid industrialization, urbanization, political corruption, and social inequality, such as unsafe working conditions, poverty, and lack of government regulation.

What were the effects of industrialization and urbanization during the Progressive Era?

The rise of large corporations, overcrowded and unsanitary urban environments, and growing inequality.

 How did political corruption contribute to the Progressive Era?

Big businesses had a disproportionate influence on politics, using patronage, bribery, and political machines like Tammany Hall to maintain power.

What social issues led to the Progressive Era reforms?

Problems such as poverty, child labor, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate public health services.

Who were the muckrakers, and what role did they play?

 Investigative journalists who exposed corruption, poor working conditions, and social injustices. They played a key role in raising awareness and pushing for reform.

Who was Upton Sinclair, and what did he do?

wrote The Jungle (1906), exposing horrific conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to food safety reforms.

 What did Jacob Riis do to highlight social issues?

In How the Other Half Lives (1890),documented the living conditions of the urban poor, which led to housing and public health reforms.

Who was Ida Tarbell, and what impact did she have?

exposed the unethical practices of Standard Oil, pushing for antitrust laws.

What was the Women's Suffrage Movement?

A social movement that fought for women’s right to vote, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Who were key figures in the Women’s Suffrage Movement?

 Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Carrie Chapman Catt

What was the significance of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire

The 1911 fire highlighted unsafe working conditions, leading to workplace safety reforms.

What was the Labor Movement's focus during the Progressive Era?

 Workers organized for better wages, safer working conditions, and shorter working hours.

What political reforms were implemented during the Progressive Era?

Direct primaries, initiatives, referendums, recalls, and the 17th Amendment, which allowed for the direct election of U.S. senators.

What was the goal of antitrust legislation during the Progressive Era?

 To break up monopolies and promote fair competition. Laws like the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and Clayton Antitrust Act (1914) were passed to regulate big corporations.

What economic reforms were enacted during the Progressive Era?

Labor laws (minimum wage, child labor restrictions, workplace safety), the Federal Reserve Act (1913), and food and drug regulation (Pure Food and Drug Act, Meat Inspection Act).

What was the role of the Federal Reserve Act (1913)?

It established the Federal Reserve System to stabilize and regulate the banking industry and control monetary policy.

What social reforms occurred during the Progressive Era?

 Expansions in public education, health reforms, better sanitation, and the creation of settlement houses to assist the poor and immigrants.

 What was the conservation movement?

Led by figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir, it aimed to preserve natural resources and establish national parks.

 What was Theodore Roosevelt’s approach to Progressivism?

Roosevelt's "Square Deal" focused on regulating business, protecting consumers and workers, and conserving natural resources.

 How was William Howard Taft's presidency different from Roosevelt’s?

Although Taft continued some progressive policies, he was less aggressive in pursuing reforms and was criticized for not doing enough to regulate business.

What were Woodrow Wilson's key policies?

Wilson’s "New Freedom" focused on reducing tariffs, reforming banking, and breaking up monopolies. He passed the Federal Reserve Act and Clayton Antitrust Act.

 What led to the end of the Progressive Era?

World War I, economic dislocation, the Red Scare, and a return to conservative policies under President Warren G. Harding.

How did the Progressive Era shape future U.S. policies?

It expanded the role of the federal government in regulating business, protecting workers, and providing social services, laying the groundwork for the New Deal.

 What was the lasting impact of the Progressive Era on social and economic justice?

It shifted the focus of American politics toward consumer protection, workers’ rights, and social justice, influencing future reform movements.

What environmental conservation efforts were established during the Progressive Era?

The creation of national parks, forests, and the permanent preservation of natural resources became a key part of U.S. policy.