The making of a Superpower USA - Politics (1890-1920)

Who formed the populist party in 1892?

Farmers + bi-metalists

Why did the populist party emerge?

Many did not benefit from economic growth + 1893 depression made the situation worse

What were the aims of the populist party?

• 8hr working day

• Rail regulation

• Direct election of senators

• Silver in currency

What led to the 1890 Sherman Silver Purchase Act?

There was $57 million of silver produced in 1890 + then government promised to buy 4.5 million ounces of silver per month

Why did Cleveland remove the 1890 Sherman Silver Purchase Act?

It undermined the economy, isolated the US from Europe + increased government interference (against laissez faire)

What changed for the populists in 1896?

They became powerful enough to run their 1st campsign

What are examples of populist successes?

11 senators + 45 members in congress between 1891 - 1902

When did the populist party die?

1902 - spread ideas to progressives

Why did the progressives not have a party?

Members were bi-partisan + all agreed on improving society

What were the progressives aims?

• Reformation of both parties

• Regulation of big business

• Better living conditions

What economic factors led to progressiveism growing in popularity?

Big business / robber barons were rife with corruption, 1893 depression led to 12% of the population being unemployed + many banks collapsed (savings lost),

What social factors led to progressiveism growing in popularity?

Poor living conditions, 72hr work week + no welfare system (no sick pay)

How did the media lead to progressiveism growing in popularity?

McClure’s magazine sold 750,000 copies 1904 + “muck ranking articles” greatly influenced the public

Why did the Republicans win the 1896 election?

Hanna (businessman) spent $3 million on Mckinley’s campaign

What was Roosevelt determined to do?

Make the 1890 Sherman anti-trust effective

What was the impact of Roosevelt intervening in the 1902 Anthracite coal strike?

He defended the 9hr working day + increased their wages

What did SCOTUS rule in 1904?

Northern Securities Company was illegal + dissolved it (stopped its monopolies)

How many anti-trust prosecutions did SCOTUS do?

44

What did the 1903 Labor Act and Department of Commerce do?

Gained the power to collect data from any business + deal with interstate commerce

What did the 1906 Hepburn Act do?

Gave government the power to inspect railroad companies books + enforce maximum rates to protect the public from exploitation

What did Taft’s 1909 Payne-Aldrich Act do?

Slightly lowered tariffs

Who ran against Taft in 1911 and what was the impact of this?

Roosevelt + he formed his own party which weakened the Republicans

What was Wilson’s “New Freedom” ?

Reduction of tariffs on imported goods, banking reform + strengthening of the Sherman anti-trust act

What did Wilson’s 1913 Federal Reserve Act do?

Balanced big business with the needs of the wider community + created the 1st banking system

What did the 1913 Underwood tariff do?

Reduced the number of imports + made it cheaper to produce wool and iron in US / led to the 16th amendment

What did the 16th amendment do in 1913?

It allowed Congress to issue income tax without having to determine it based on population

Why was the Federal Trade Commission set up in 1914?

To investigate corporations to uncover unfair practices

What was the impact of the 1914 FTC?

Administered 400 cease and desist orders to companies operating illegally

What was the 1890 Sherman anti-trust act?

1st attempt to weaken big business (weak reform)

Who weakened the 1890 Sherman anti-trust act?

SCOTUS

What is an example of the government weakening the Sherman anti-trust act?

US vs E.C. Knight 1895 ruling

How did the 1895 US vs E.C. Knight case weaken the Sherman anti-trust act?

Put most monopolies beyond the reach of the act

What did the 1914 Clayton anti-trust act do?

Prohibited anti-competitive mergers + other unethical practices

What did the 1916 Revenue Act do?

Taxed big business + provided the largest source of government income

What did the 1916 Federal Child Labour Act do?

Helped 2 million uneducated children stay out of the workforce - however it was ruled unconstitutional by SCOTUS 1918

What did the 1916 Adamson Act do?

Set the 8hr working day for all workers

How many companies were prosecuted under Taft?

80