Progressive Era & Industrial Revolution - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Industrial Revolution to the Progressive Era.

Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrial growth in the U.S. that led to urbanization, factory work, and social changes addressed by the Progressive Era.

Progressive Era

A late 19th to early 20th-century reform movement aimed at fixing problems caused by industrialization through political, economic, and social reforms.

Muckrakers

Journalists and writers who exposed corruption and poor conditions in industry and urban life (e.g., Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell, Jacob Riis).

The Jungle

Upton Sinclair’s novel exposing unsanitary and unsafe meatpacking practices; spurred reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.

Jacob Riis

Photographer and writer whose work How the Other Half Lives exposed urban poverty and tenement living.

Ida Tarbell

Muckraker who published The History of the Standard Oil Company, revealing monopolistic practices.

Upton Sinclair

Author of The Jungle; his muckraking work highlighted unsafe conditions in industry.

Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)

Law prohibiting the sale of adulterated or misbranded food and medicines; led to the creation of the FDA.

Meat Inspection Act (1906)

Law requiring sanitary inspection of meat processing and labeling to ensure safety.

Sherman Antitrust Act

Federal law designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies.

Hull House

Settlement house in Chicago founded by Jane Addams in 1889 providing social services to immigrants.

Jane Addams

Social reformer who opened Hull House to assist urban poor and immigrants.

Settlement House Movement

Movement establishing community centers offering aid such as medical care and classes.

YMCA

Young Men’s Christian Association; provided social services and activities for communities.

Social Gospel

Movement encouraging Christians to apply faith to social justice and urban reform.

Tenement House Act(s)

Laws improving tenement housing by requiring windows, plumbing, and fire safety.

The Gilded Age

Era described as glamorous on the outside but corrupt and unequal inside; term coined by Mark Twain.

Social Darwinism

Idea that ‘survival of the fittest’ applies to society, often justifying inequality.

Individualism

Belief that individuals can rise in society through talent and effort regardless of origin.

Progressive Era Goals

Three aims: return government to the people, restore economic opportunities, and correct injustices.

Square Deal

Roosevelt’s domestic program to balance the interests of the public, workers, and big business; included regulation and reform.

Trustbusters

Roosevelt’s label for efforts to break up monopolies and regulate big business.

Hepburn Act

1906 law giving the ICC power to regulate railroad rates and extend jurisdiction.

Conservation

Roosevelt-era policy to preserve natural resources and expand federal land protection.

Progressive Presidents

The leaders of the era: Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

Theodore Roosevelt

President (1901–1909); known for the Square Deal, trust-busting, mediation in strikes, and conservation.

William Taft

President (1909–1913); continued trust-busting, supported the 16th Amendment (income tax), and tariff reform.

Woodrow Wilson

President (1913–1921); led Progressive reforms and aimed to expand democracy and economic opportunity.