Progressive Era

Jacob Riis

A journalist and photographer who exposed the harsh realities of slums, particularly through his work 'How the Other Half Lives'.

How the Other Half Lives

A book by Jacob Riis highlighting the living conditions of the poor in urban areas.

Robert La Follette

A political leader from Wisconsin who fought against government corruption and advocated for fair elections and workers' rights.

Upton Sinclair

An author known for writing 'The Jungle', which revealed unsafe conditions in the meatpacking industry.

The Jungle

A novel by Upton Sinclair that detailed the unsanitary conditions in meat factories, prompting food safety laws.

Carrie Nation

A radical activist against alcohol known for her bar-smashing campaigns during the Prohibition movement.

Booker T. Washington

An African American leader who believed in gaining respect through hard work and learning trades while accepting segregation.

W.E.B. Du Bois

An African American activist who argued for immediate civil rights and higher education instead of accommodation.

Gifford Pinchot

An early environmentalist who advocated for responsible use of natural resources and forest conservation.

Ida B. Wells

A journalist who campaigned against lynching and racial injustice, bringing these issues to public attention.

Frank Norris

An author whose novels exposed the exploitation of workers and corruption in big companies.

Ida Tarbell

A muckraker who revealed the corrupt business practices of the Standard Oil Company.

John Dewey

An influential educator promoting experiential learning and critical thinking in education.

Jane Addams

The founder of Hull House, which provided social services and education to immigrants in poor neighborhoods.

Meat Inspection Act (1906)

Legislation ensuring hygiene and safety in meat products following public outrage from 'The Jungle'.

Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)

Required accurate labeling of food and drugs and prohibited harmful products from being sold.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

The government agency responsible for regulating food and drug safety.

16th Amendment (1913)

Allowed the federal government to collect income tax directly from individuals.

18th Amendment (1919)

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages (Prohibition).

19th Amendment (1920)

Granted women the right to vote, a significant victory for women's suffrage.

Children’s Bureau (1912)

A government office aimed at improving children's welfare and combating child labor.

Mann-Elkins Act (1910)

Strengthened regulatory powers over railroads and communication companies.

Clayton Antitrust Act (1914)

Enhanced antitrust laws to prevent unfair business practices and protect workers' rights.

Federal Reserve Act (1913)

Established the Federal Reserve System to stabilize and regulate the banking system and money supply.

Theodore Roosevelt

A progressive president known for trust-busting, environmental conservation, and consumer protection.

William Howard Taft

Continuing the trust-busting initiative as president but with less public popularity.

Woodrow Wilson

A progressive president who enacted major reforms like the Federal Reserve Act and stronger antitrust regulations.

Progressive Era (1890s to 1920s)

A period of social activism and political reform aimed at addressing issues caused by industrialization and urbanization.