History

Panic of 1893

A major economic depression in the United States, triggered by railroad overbuilding and shaky railroad financing, leading to a nationwide financial crisis.

Populist Party

A political party formed in the 1890s that represented the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for economic reforms and greater political representation.

The Grange/Farmers’ Alliances

A coalition of farmers' organizations in the late 19th century that aimed to promote agricultural interests, advocate for economic reforms, and challenge the political power of railroads and banks.

What was the relationship like between settlers and Native Americans?

The relationship between settlers and Native Americans was often characterized by conflict, as settlers encroached on Native lands, leading to violence and displacement. While there were instances of trade and cooperation, many interactions resulted in broken treaties and loss of native territories.

What ways did the government encourage or support settlement of the West?

The government provided incentives such as land grants, railroads, and the Homestead Act of 1862, which offered free land to settlers willing to farm it for a specific period.

What hardships did settlers face?

Settlers faced numerous hardships, including harsh weather conditions, scarce resources, and conflicts with Native Americans. Many struggled with isolation, disease, and the difficulties of establishing farms in uncharted territories.

What economic problems did farmers face?

Farmers encountered economic issues such as fluctuating crop prices, high levels of debt, and difficulty accessing credit. Many struggled with the costs of machinery and supplies, as well as challenges in marketing their products.

Why was the Populist Party appealing and why did it end?

The Populist Party appealed to farmers and working-class citizens by advocating for issues like the regulation of railroads, the introduction of a graduated income tax, and the direct election of senators. However, it ultimately declined due to internal divisions, the rise of the Democratic Party co-opting its platform, and economic improvements that lessened the urgency of its demands.

Lewis Hine

A prominent American photographer known for his work documenting child labor in the early 20th century, which helped to spur social reform and labor laws.

Jane Addams

A pioneering social reformer and co-founder of Hull House in Chicago, she was instrumental in advocating for women's suffrage and social justice. Addams is renowned for her contributions to the settlement house movement and her efforts to improve conditions for immigrants and the poor.

Upton Sinclair

An American author and social activist best known for his novel "The Jungle," which exposed the harsh conditions and exploitation in the meatpacking industry, leading to significant food safety reforms.

Robert “Fight Bob” La Follette

A prominent American politician and reform governor of Wisconsin, known for his progressive policies and strong opposition to corporate power. La Follette was a leader in the Progressive Movement, advocating for political reform and social justice.

Susan B. Anthony

A leading figure in the women's suffrage movement, she played a critical role in campaigning for women's right to vote and was a co-founder of the National Woman Suffrage Association.

Woodrow Wilson

The 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921, known for leading the country through World War I and advocating for the League of Nations and progressive reforms.

The Jungle

A novel by Upton Sinclair that exposed the harsh conditions and exploited lives of immigrants in the United States meatpacking industry, leading to public outrage and reforms in food safety.

Settlement House/Hull House

A community center in the U.S. that provided social services and education to immigrant families, founded by Jane Addams in Chicago.

Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

A 1916 U.S. law that aimed to restrict child labor by prohibiting the sale of goods produced by factories that employed children under the age of 14.

Meat Inspection Act

A 1906 law aimed at ensuring sanitary conditions in meatpacking establishments and prohibiting the sale of misbranded meat.

Pure Food and Drug Act

A 1906 law that required accurate labeling of food and medications to prevent misbranding, ensuring safety and public health.

Muckraker

Journalists who exposed social issues and corruption in the early 20th century.

Temperance

A social movement aimed at reducing or prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages, prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Initiative

A legislative process that allows citizens to propose laws or constitutional amendments through petitions, often followed by a public vote.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of new legislation or amendments.

Recall

A political process through which voters can remove an elected official from office before the end of their term, typically requiring a petition and a subsequent vote.

Direct election of Senators

A method of electing U.S. Senators by popular vote, instead of by state legislatures, established by the 17th Amendment.

NAWSA

The National American Woman Suffrage Association, formed in 1890 to advocate for women's right to vote in the United States.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in the U.S., ratified in 1920.

New Freedom

A progressive platform introduced by Woodrow Wilson during his 1912 presidential campaign, focusing on individual and economic freedom, anti-monopoly measures, and reforms in banking and tariffs.

New Nationalism

A progressive policy framework proposed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 that emphasized social justice, regulation of monopolies, and the welfare of the public.

Square Deal

A domestic policy program created by Theodore Roosevelt that aimed to ensure fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses through regulatory reforms and conservation efforts.

What social problems did reformers try to solve in the Progressive Era?

Reformers sought to address issues such as poverty, labor rights, women's suffrage, corruption in politics, and public health, aiming for social justice and improved living conditions.

How did the Presidents advance the Progressive agenda?

Presidents advanced the Progressive agenda by implementing reforms that tackled economic inequality, increased government regulation of businesses, and promoted social justice initiatives, thereby addressing the needs of the public and improving democratic governance.