Progressive Era Slideshow Study Guide

What was the main goal of the Progressive movement?

To address problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption.

Which social class was most involved in Progressivism?

The middle class, including reformers, journalists, and politicians.

What previous movement was most similar to Progressivism?

The Populist movement (focused on farmers and economic reforms).

Who were the three Progressive Era Presidents?

Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

What was Woodrow Wilson’s reform program called?

New Freedom – focused on financial reforms, business regulation, and lowering tariffs.

What major financial reform did Wilson pass?

The Federal Reserve Act (1913), which created the Federal Reserve System to regulate banks.

What is an Initiative in the context of Progressive reforms?

A process by which citizens can propose new laws.

What is a Referendum?

A vote in which citizens directly approve or reject laws.

What is a Recall in Progressive reforms?

A process allowing citizens to remove elected officials from office.

What did the 16th Amendment establish?

The federal income tax.

What did the 17th Amendment change?

It established the direct election of Senators.

What does the 18th Amendment enforce?

The prohibition of alcohol.

What significant change did the 19th Amendment bring?

It granted women the right to vote.

What is the main difference between conservation and preservation?

Conservation aims to manage natural resources wisely (Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot), while preservation seeks to protect nature from human interference (John Muir).

What was the Hetch Hetchy controversy?

A debate over whether to dam a valley in Yosemite for water supply or preserve it.

What was the main goal of labor unions during the Progressive Era?

To achieve better wages, shorter working hours, and safer working conditions.

What did the Supreme Court case Muller v. Oregon (1908) decide?

It upheld laws that limited women’s work hours due to health concerns.

Which fire led to significant workplace safety reforms?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911).

Who founded the Hull House and what was its purpose?

Jane Addams; it provided services like education and healthcare to immigrants and the poor.

What was the purpose of settlement houses?

To help immigrants adjust to life in the U.S. by providing social services.

What was the Temperance Movement?

A movement advocating for the ban of alcohol, ultimately leading to the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).

Who were muckrakers, and what did they do?

Journalists who exposed corruption and social injustices.

What was Theodore Roosevelt’s domestic policy called?

The Square Deal – focused on controlling corporations, consumer protection, and conservation.

Which laws were passed in response to Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle?

The Meat Inspection Act (1906) and the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906).

What was the goal of the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)?

To break up monopolies and prevent anti-competitive business practices.

How did the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914) strengthen the Sherman Antitrust Act?

It explicitly outlawed practices that led to monopolies and protected labor unions from antitrust prosecution.