STAAR TERMS: Progressive Era

Pure Food and Drug Act

Established in 1906, this act regulated the preparation and sale of both foods and medicine. It enforced a standard that people needed to know what they were consuming and had companies placing labels on their products. This act was a direct effect of Upton Sinclair’s book, The Jungle.

Theodore Roosevelt

President of the United States from 1901-1909, he was known as a “trust-buster” and opposed monopolies. He gained fame during the Spanish American War. With his big stick policy, the U.S. built the Panama Canal.

Initiative

One of the ways that power is given to individual people. Voters could directly introduce bills in the state legislature and could vote on whether they wanted a bill passed. Note: This was only on an individual state level & NOT on a national scale.

Referendum

One of the ways that power is given to individual people on a state level. Votes could compel or pressure legislatures to place a bill on the ballot for approval and vote on it. Note: This was on an individual state by state level & NOT on a national scale.

Recall

One of the ways that power is given to individual people. Elected officials could be removed from office by voters in a special election. Note: Only on an individual state by state level rather than a national level.

16th Amendment

Gave congress the power to tax personal income.

17th Amendment

Allowed for the direct election of senators.

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture, production, and sale of alcohol in the United States.

19th Amendment

Granted women suffrage or the right to vote.

Clayton Anti-Trust Act

This act increased the federal government’s power to prevent unfair business practices. It strengthened the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1980.

Muckrakers

Journalists and writers who raked up the “muck” or dirt of American life. Desired to show the ugly truths of society so people would demand change.

Federal Reserve Act

This act reformed the banking industry by establishing 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks to serve as “banker’s banks”. It was passed under the Wilson administration and serves as our banking system today.

Ida B. Wells

A leader of the social reform movement and organizer of a national anti-lynching campaign.

Susan B. Anthony

Main reformer/fighter in the struggle for women’s suffrage.

W.E.B DuBois

An African-American Harvard educated man who was also the founder of the NAACP in 1909. Promoted racial equality.

Upton Sinclair

Author of The Jungle which helped the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.

Robert La Follete

Governor of Wisconsin who attempted to free his state of corruption and big business influence. One of the most progressive Governors during the Progressive Era.

Impact of Third Party Candidates

Third parties provide an outlet for minorities to voice grievances and generate new ideas.

Establishment of National Park System

Established in 1916, bringing 40 parks and monuments under federal control.

The Jungle

Book written by Upton Sinclair that exposed disgusting, unsanitary conditions in slaughterhouses. Helped in the passage of Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906.

William Howard Taft

He was hand picked by Roosevelt for President (1909-1912), considered a progressive president. He busted twice as many trusts as Roosevelt in half the time. He and Roosevelt ended ties and ran against each other in 1912 which led to Wilson winning as they split the vote.

Woodrow Wilson

President from 1913 to 1921. He was the third progressive president and won the election of 1916 with the slogan — “He kept us out of war!” In 1917, he would lead the U.S. in WWI. His post WWI peace plan was the 14 point plan which would create the League of Nations.

NAACP

Organization created in 1909 in part by WEB Dubois, helped champion the advancement of African Americans.

Election of 1912

Election consisted of Roosevelt ran as a candidate under the Bull Moose Party, Taft ran as the Republican nominee and Wilson ran as the Democratic nominee. This election ended with Wilson winning.

Eugene V. Debs

American union leader, founding member of the Industrial Workers of the World and 5 time candidate for president under the Socialist Party of America.