Progressivism - Understanding the 1890's-1920's

Why was the progressive era needed? (Name at least 3)

• The recession of 1893

• the lack of welfare and job security

• the unsafeness of living and working in industrialized cities

• the decline of Southern agriculture as it competed with Northern mass produced crops

• the failings of American Government and businesses

• fear of revolution

• desire for women’s freedoms

• the need for social reforms created a climate for the Progressive Era.

What is the definition of Progressivism?

The act of utilizing the government to improve the lives of the common American in multiple facets.

What were the aims of Progressivism?

• To modify, and add to, the constitution

• reform the Central government

• to cleanse cities and states of corruption

• reform political parties and systems.

What is the “Square Deal”/Three C’s?

A promise to the American people made by Theodore Roosevelt to regulate coorperations, protect consumers, and conserve natural resources in the United States.

What is the Hepburn Act?

Legislation passed in 1906, kickstarted by Theodore Roosevelt, aimed at strengthening the Interstate Commerce Commission's ability to regulate railroad rates and ensure fair practices.

What is “The Jungle”? What laws were born from it’s pages?

A novel by Upton Sinclair published in 1906 that meant to detail the pain and difficulties of the American immigrant family, but instead exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act (both 1906).

How much land did Theodore Roosevelt set aside for National parks? (in acres)

2 million acres of land, with the first national park being in Yosemite, California.

Which progressive president was elected in 1901?

President Theodore Roosevelt.

Which progressive president was elected in 1909?

President William H. Taft.

Which progressive president was elected in 1913?

President Woodrow Wilson (as a result of Theodore Roosevelt entering the race against Taft.)

What did President Wilson’s “Federal Reserve Act” do?

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

Which constitutional amendment created the Federal Income Tax and replaced tariffs?

The 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, empowered Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states.

What did the 17th Amendment change?

It allowed American citizens to directly vote for their Senators, as opposeed to letting State Houses vote for the Federal Senators (since they were more likely to be bribed).

Which Amendment banned the selling/exporting of alcoholic beverages?

The 18th Amendment.

What led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment? (Women’s Sufferage)

The rise of women recieving college level education and their joining of the workforce.

What is a referendum?

A referendum is the act of a State House passing a proposed law onto the people by putting it on a ballot and having the citizens vote.

What is an Initave?

An ititave is the act of the citizens in a state gathering enough signatures to propose a law and putting it on a ballot.

What is a recall?

A recall is the act of the citizens premptively firing a public official.

What happened at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City?

It caught on fire, killing 106 women/girls, and resulted in many Worker safety/public building inspection laws.

What were corrupt city officials called?

Bosses.

What is a “muckraker” in slang?

A journalist who exposed problematic federal, state and city officials.

Where did Progressivism fail?

Progressivism failed immigrant families, as much of the legislation was targeted in keeping them out, black families, as the KKK was most successful during the Progressive Era, and alcoholism, as it failed to keep American’s from drinking.

What did Progressivism reverse?

Progressivism directly destroyed the previous “Lassiez-Faire” attitude of the Gilded Age.

Why was Theodore Roosevelt called the “Trustbuster”?

He spent his term “taming” positive effecting trusts and destroying corrupt ones.