Progressive Era Reforms: Civil Rights, Labor, and Legislation

Populist Party

Supported the working-class citizens; a third party, which influences and draws votes away from the major political parties.

Jane Addams

Fought for women's suffrage and started the settlement house movement in the U.S. to help assimilate immigrants.

Jim Crow laws

Passed to limit rights gained by African Americans in the 13th (freedom), 14th (citizenship), and 15th (male suffrage) Amendments.

W. E. B. DuBois

Founded NAACP, a civil rights group that fought for the legal rights of African Americans.

State reforms

Initiative, referendum, recall; increased citizen participation in democracy; ensured elected officials were held accountable.

Upton Sinclair

Wrote The Jungle, which resulted in government regulation of food products.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Enforced regulations to protect consumers; resulted from the efforts of muckrakers, like Upton Sinclair.

National Park Service

Created to conserve natural resources and maintain designated areas for public use and enjoyment.

Improved working conditions

Child Labor Act passed and Department of Labor created to ensure safety and well-being of all laborers.

18th Amendment

Prohibited sale of alcohol; supported by women; aimed to reduce crime and health problems; resulted in speakeasies and crime.

19th Amendment

Increased women's political power by granting them suffrage, or the right to vote.