Progressive Era review

Economic inequality (continuity for economy)

While there were efforts to regulate business practices, large corporations and wealthy elites still held significant power.

Racial Inequality (continuity for social)

Despite progressive reforms, racial inequality persisted. The Progressive Era saw the entrenchment of segregation through Jim Crow laws in the South, as well as the rise of racial violence such as lynching.

Expansion of democracy (political reforms)

The period saw significant efforts to expand democratic participation and reduce corruption. Reforms such as the direct election of senators (17th Amendment, 1913) were enacted to reduce the influence of political machines and special interests.

Women's suffrage (Political reforms)

The suffrage movement gained momentum during this period, culminating in the 19th Amendment (1920), which granted women the right to vote.

Regulation of Big Business (Political reforms)

Progressive leaders sought to curb the power of monopolies and trusts. The government, under Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, took action through antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914), and aggressive enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Justice Department.

Labor rights (social reforms)

There were advancements in labor rights, including the establishment of labor laws that regulated working hours, improved working conditions, and protected children. The establishment of the Department of Labor in 1913 was a key development in the protection of workers.

Public Health and Education: (social reform)

Progressive reformers worked to improve public health through sanitation reforms, such as clean water systems, and education, including the expansion of public schooling and vocational training.

Federal Income Tax (Economic reforms)

The 16th Amendment (1913) legalized the federal income tax, which represented a shift toward more progressive taxation, allowing the federal government to fund social and economic reforms.

Federal Reserve System (Economic reform)

The establishment of the Federal Reserve System in 1913 aimed to stabilize the banking system and provide a more flexible and controlled currency supply.

Temperance movement (Social change)

The Prohibition movement gained momentum, culminating in the 18th Amendment (1919), which banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This was a significant social shift aimed at addressing social issues related to alcohol consumption, although it led to unintended consequences like the rise of organized crime.