Progressivism Notes

What time period is known as the Progressive Era?

1890 to 1920.

What was a key belief of progressives regarding the government's role?

The government should play an active role in solving society's problems.

Who were muckrakers?

Journalists who practiced investigative journalism to spotlight corruption in society.

What was Jacob Riis known for?

The book 'How the Other Half Lives', which highlighted the conditions of the urban poor.

What impact did Upton Sinclair's book 'The Jungle' have?

It led to the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.

What is significant about the direct primary?

It gave voters power to choose candidates in elections.

What amendment instituted the direct election of senators?

The 17th Amendment.

What major milestone for women's rights occurred in 1919?

The 19th Amendment was passed.

Who became the youngest president at 42 after McKinley was assassinated?

Theodore Roosevelt.

What was Roosevelt's approach to monopolies?

He aimed to break up big monopolies (trusts) and regulate large corporations.

What was the outcome of the Northern Securities case?

The Supreme Court ruled that Northern Securities was a monopoly and violated the Sherman Antitrust Act.

How did Roosevelt contribute to environmental conservation?

He declared millions of acres of land as protected national forests and established the national parks system.

What was the Newlands Reclamation Act?

It authorized federal construction of dams and reservoirs funded by public land sales.

What was the significance of the Hepburn Act of 1906?

It gave the Interstate Commerce Commission the power to set railroad rates.

Why was Taft unpopular among progressives?

He lacked the political skill and energy of Roosevelt and made decisions that angered progressives.

What was the outcome of the Payne-Aldrich Tariff?

It increased tariffs and upset both proponents and opponents of tariffs.

What was significant about the Underwood Tariff?

It established an income tax and was the first major reduction in tariffs.

What did the Federal Reserve Act aim to address?

It aimed to restore confidence in banks by creating a system where banks kept a portion of deposits in regional reserve banks.

What was the purpose of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?

To regulate American business and promote competition.

What did the Clayton Antitrust Act achieve?

It strengthened the government's ability to break up trusts and legalized unions, strikes, boycotts, and pickets.

What movement sought to end the consumption and sale of alcohol?

The Temperance Movement.

What was the 18th Amendment?

It made the sale or consumption of alcohol illegal.