The Progressive Era and Social Reform

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the key reformers, social issues, and constitutional amendments of the Progressive Era (1900-WWI) based on the lecture notes.

The Progressive Era

A period lasting from $1900$ to WWI characterized by social, political, and economic reform.

Muckrakers

Individuals who exposed social issues such as pollution, unsafe working conditions, and poverty to the masses; they "rake" the muck into the open.

Jacob Riis

A muckraker who photographed the slums and poor conditions of the lower class.

Ida Tarbell

A muckraker known for uncovering the shady business practices of John D. Rockefeller.

Lincoln Steffens

A muckraker who investigated corruption within city governments.

Ray Stannard Baker

A reporter who focused on the living and working conditions of African Americans in both the North and the South.

Frank Norris

The author of "The Octopus," a book that exposed corruption within the railroad industry.

Upton Sinclair

The author of "The Jungle," which revealed the unsanitary and dangerous secrets of the meat packing industry.

The Jungle

A novel describing how meat tumbled onto dirty floors, was contaminated by rats and "dried dung," and preserved with chemicals like borax and gelatin.

Jane Addams

The founder of Hull House who helped poor immigrants and advocated for public services like sewers and hospitals.

Hull House

A settlement house that provided English lessons, childcare, and a gymnasium for immigrants while pushing for social reforms.

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, co-founded by Florence Kelley among others.

Anti-Defamation League

An organization formed to aid in issues regarding hate speech.

Temperance Movement

A social movement against the consumption of alcohol, resulting in the $18th$ Amendment.

18th Amendment

A constitutional amendment passed in $1919$ that prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol.

21st Amendment

A constitutional amendment passed in $1933$ that repealed the $18th$ Amendment, making alcohol legal again.

Political Machine

A city government system run by a small group of leaders who rigged votes, bought loyalty, and rewarded their own, exemplified by "Boss" Tweed and "Boss" Croker.

Robert La Follette

The Governor of Wisconsin who broke up the power of local politicians and led state-level Progressive reforms.

Secret Ballot

A reform designed to alleviate public pressure by allowing voters to cast their ballots privately.

Initiative

A reform that allows voters to directly introduce bills to the state legislature.

Referendum

A process where voters can repeal a law through a special election.

Recall

A direct democracy tool that allows voters to dismiss public officials in a special election.

Direct Primary

A system where voters, rather than party leaders, select their party's nominee for an election.

17th Amendment

The amendment providing for the direct senatorial election by voters, moving control away from state governments.

19th Amendment

A constitutional amendment passed in $1920$ that granted women the right to vote.

Income Tax Amendment

Passed in $1913$, it allowed the federal government to collect taxes from all citizens to fund public services and national defense.

Triangle Factory Fire

A tragic industrial disaster that led to the creation of new safety measures and work rules.

Susan B. Anthony

The President of NAWSA who advocated for abolitionism and temperance, and was famously jailed for illegally voting.

Florence Kelley

A resident of Hull House and co-founder of the NAACP who served as a chief factory inspector in Illinois in $1893$.

Alice Paul

A militant suffragist who organized a march in D.C., picketed the White House, and participated in hunger strikes.

Carrie Chapman Catt

The founder of the League of Women Voters and the successor to Susan B. Anthony as president of NAWSA.