Detailed Notes on the Progressive Era (1890s–1920s)

Progressive Era

A period of widespread social activism and political reform in the United States from the 1890s to the 1920s.

Social Welfare

Efforts made by Progressives to improve living conditions for the urban poor, focusing on housing, sanitation, and labor laws.

Economic Reform

The movement to regulate big businesses and monopolies while supporting workers' rights and fair wages during the Progressive Era.

Government Efficiency

Reforms aimed at reducing corruption in government and making it more responsive to the needs of citizens.

Women's Suffrage

The movement for women's right to vote, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Temperance Movement

A campaign against alcohol abuse, which resulted in the 18th Amendment and the start of Prohibition.

Theodore Roosevelt

A key figure in the Progressive Era known for his trust-busting and conservation efforts.

Woodrow Wilson

A president who advanced Progressive reforms, including the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act.

Jane Addams

A social reformer associated with settlement houses that provided support for immigrants and the poor.

Ida B. Wells

An activist who fought against lynching and advocated for racial justice.

What were the main goals of the Progressive Movement?

To address social injustices, regulate big business, improve government efficiency, expand democracy, and promote social welfare.

How did Progressives attempt to reduce corruption in government?

By introducing reforms such as the direct election of senators and various measures to increase citizen control.

What role did women play during the Progressive Era?

Women were leaders in social reform, advocating for labor laws, temperance, education, and suffrage.

Significance of the Sherman Antitrust Act

The first federal law prohibiting monopolies and monopolistic practices to foster competition.

Significance of the Clayton Antitrust Act

Strengthened antitrust laws by specifying illegal business practices and protecting labor unions.

The Square Deal

Theodore Roosevelt's policy focusing on conservation, control of corporations, and consumer protection.

Impact of the Progressive Era on labor laws

Led to improved conditions, including child labor laws, safety regulations, and restrictions on working hours.

18th Amendment

Instituted Prohibition, banning alcohol to combat social issues.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote, expanding participation in democracy.

Direct election of senators

A reform introduced during the Progressive Era, established by the 17th Amendment.

Initiatives

Processes enabling citizens to propose legislation and vote on it directly.

Referendums

Votes by the electorate on proposed legislation or amendments.

Recalls

A process allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

National Child Labor Committee

An organization that advocated for child labor laws during the Progressive Era.

Consumer Protection

Measures taken to safeguard buyers from unfair practices in the marketplace.

Trust-busting

Activities aimed at breaking up monopolies and trusts to promote competition.

Conservation

The protection and preservation of natural resources, a key focus during the Progressive Era.

Labor Unions

Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better working conditions and fair wages.

Progressive Movement

A broad coalition of reformers championing various social, political, and economic reforms.

Social Justice

The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.

Political Corruption

Dishonest or unethical conduct by those in power, often involving bribery.

Immigration Issues

Challenges related to the influx of immigrants and their integration into American society during the era.

Urbanization Effects

Changes in lifestyle and infrastructure resulting from the migration of populations to urban centers.

What was the goal of the conservation movement?

To preserve natural resources and protect environments from industrialization and urbanization.

How did the Progressive Era address women's rights?

By advocating for women's suffrage and participation in various social reforms.

What was the primary aim of Prohibition?

To eliminate alcohol consumption to improve social conditions.

Who was known for the Square Deal?

Theodore Roosevelt, focusing on fairness and regulation.

What did the Clayton Antitrust Act improve upon?

It improved the Sherman Antitrust Act by providing clearer definitions of illegal activities.