Study Guide: The Progressive Era (1890–1920)

What was the main goal of the Progressive movement?

To address social, political, and economic injustices caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption, advocating for government intervention to improve society.

Which social class was most involved in Progressivism?

The middle class, especially professionals, journalists, and social reformers. This class sought to address social issues arising from industrialization and urbanization, advocating for political reforms, labor rights, suffrage, and public health improvements.

What previous movement was most similar to Progressivism?

The Populist movement, which arose in the late 19th century, sought to address issues such as economic inequality, corporate control of government, and the plight of farmers and laborers. Like Progressivism, it aimed to reform society and enhance democratic participation by advocating for political reforms, including the direct election of senators and initiatives and referendums.

What is an Initiative in the context of political reforms?

It allowed citizens to propose laws directly on the ballot.

What does Referendum mean?

It enabled voters to directly approve or reject laws passed by legislature.

What is a Recall in political terms?

It gave voters the power to remove elected officials from office before their term ended.

What was the purpose of the 17th Amendment (1913)?

It allowed for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.

What was the goal of the 19th Amendment (1920)?

It granted women the right to vote.

What was Theodore Roosevelt’s domestic policy called and what were its main components?

The square deal. Its main components included consumer protection, conservation of natural resources, and control of corporations. Roosevelt aimed to ensure fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses.

Which law was passed in response to Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle?

The Meat Inspection Act (1906) established regulations for the sanitary processing of meat, enforced federal inspections of meat products, and aimed to ensure safe and wholesome meat supply. The Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) prohibited the sale of misbranded or adulterated food and drugs, requiring truthful labeling and ingredient disclosure to protect consumers from unsafe products.

What was the goal of the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)?

To break up monopolies and prevent anti-competitive business practices.

How did the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914) strengthen the Sherman Antitrust Act?

It clarified and expanded antitrust laws by prohibiting specific monopolistic practices.

Who founded the Hull House and what was its purpose?

Jane Addams, to provide education, childcare, and social services to immigrants and the poor.

What was the purpose of settlement houses?

They aimed to assist immigrants and the working class by offering education, healthcare, and social services.

What was the Temperance Movement?

A social movement aimed at reducing or banning alcohol consumption, leading to Prohibition.

Who were muckrakers?

Investigative journalists who exposed corruption, poor working conditions, and social injustices.

What did Upton Sinclair expose in The Jungle?

Upton Sinclair exposed the horrific conditions of the meatpacking industry, including unsanitary practices, exploitation of workers, and the presence of contaminated meat products leading to public health concerns. His detailed descriptions aimed to highlight the need for reform in food safety and labor rights.

What did Jacob Riis reveal in How The Other Half Lives?

The harsh realities of urban poverty, showcasing the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions of tenement housing where many immigrants and the poor lived. His work highlighted the struggles and injustices faced by these communities, aiming to raise awareness and prompt social reform.

What was the main goal of labor unions during the Progressive Era?

To improve wages, safer working conditions, and labor rights.

What did the Supreme Court case Muller v. Oregon (1908) decide?

Upheld state laws that limited the working hours of women, affirming the government's authority to regulate labor conditions based on the health and welfare of workers.

Which fire led to workplace safety reforms?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911) was a tragic incident in New York City where a fire broke out in a garment factory, resulting in the deaths of 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women. The fire highlighted the unsafe working conditions, lack of fire safety measures, and inadequate escape routes, prompting major reforms in labor laws and workplace safety regulations across the United States.

What is the difference between conservation and preservation?

Conservation advocates for the responsible use of natural resources, while preservation seeks to protect nature from any human interference.

What was the Hetch Hetchy controversy?

A debate over whether to build a dam in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley.

Who were the three Progressive Era Presidents?

Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

What were the main components of Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom?

Focused on antitrust reforms, banking reform, and tariff reduction, aiming to eliminate monopolies and promote fair competition.

What was the Federal Reserve Act (1913)?

A major financial reform passed by Woodrow Wilson creating the Federal Reserve System, which serves as the central bank of the United States, regulating the money supply and providing financial stability.

What were the goals of Progressivism?

To promote social justice, regulate big business, expand democracy, and improve public welfare.

What was the 16th Amendment about?

It allowed the federal government to levy an income tax.

What was the significance of the 17th amendment?

It established the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.

What did the 18th amendment establish?

It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverage (Prohibition).

What was the impact of the 19th amendment?

It granted women the right to vote in the United States.

Grange Movement

A farmers’ organization that fought against railroad monopolies and unfair grain storage rates. It led to Granger Laws, which regulated businesses affecting farmers, and influenced later movements like the Populist Party.

Farmers Alliances

A network of agricultural organizations that aimed to improve conditions for farmers through cooperative buying and selling, as well as advocating for political reforms. It helped lay the foundation for the Populist Party by pushing for issues like railroad regulation and currency reform.

Knights of Labor

A labor organization that sought to unite all workers, both skilled and unskilled, for better wages, working conditions, and an 8-hour workday. It advocated for social reforms, such as the abolition of child labor and equal pay for women. The organization eventually declined due to internal divisions and the rise of more militant unions like the American Federation of Labor.

Election of 1896

McKinley (R) vs. Bryan (D/Populist); McKinley won, ending the Populist movement. McKinley’s victory was largely due to his support for the gold standard, while Bryan advocated for the free coinage of silver. McKinley’s well-funded campaign marked a shift in American politics, leading to the Republican Party's dominance in the early 20th century.

John Mair

A naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, advocating for the preservation of wilderness. He played a key role in the creation of national parks like Yosemite and emphasized protecting nature in its untouched state.

Gifford Pinchot

the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a key figure in the conservation movement. He promoted sustainable resource management and worked with Theodore Roosevelt to expand national forests. Pinchot also served as governor of Pennsylvania and supported progressive reforms.

Election of 1912

Wilson (D) won due to a split Republican vote between Roosevelt (Progressive) and Taft (R).Wilson won with 435 electoral votes, advocating for "New Freedom" reforms. Roosevelt pushed for "New Nationalism" and Taft for moderate progressivism. Wilson’s victory, aided by a split in the Republican vote, marked a shift to Democratic leadership and reshaped U.S. politics.