US History - The Progressive Presidents

RevID

Square Deal

Roosevelt’s domestic program that aimed to confront problems caused by economic growth. Focused on fairness between labor and business.

Northern Securities Company

Large railroad monopoly created by J.P. Morgan. Roosevelt sued it under the Sherman Antitrust Act. The Supreme Court dissolved it, marking one of the first major actions against a large corporation.

Anthracite Coal Strike

Major coal miners’ strike, workers demanded higher wages and shorter hours. Roosevelt intervened neutrally, make a compromise, marking the first time a president sided with workers’ interests in a dispute.

Hepburn Act

Legislation that strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission, allowing it to set maximum railroad rates and regulate other transportation companies. It aimed to limit monopolistic practices and ensure fair rates for consumers. Increased federal control over the railroad industry.

Pure Food & Drug Act

Legislation that regulated food and medicine, required accurate labeling and banned harmful ingredients.

Conservation Movement

Roosevelt’s initiative to protect natural resources. Emphasized preventing the overuse of the environment rather than just leaving it untouched.

Rule of Reason

Legal doctrine from the Supreme Court that said only monopolies that unreasonably restrained trade were illegal.

16th Amendment

Established federal income tax, allowed the government to tax individual earnings to fund public projects.

New Freedom

Woodrow Wilson’s progressive agenda, sought to restore competition and break monopolies, reduce tariffs, reform banking.

New Nationalism

Roosevelt’s campaign calling for a powerful federal government to regulate big businesses, protect workers, and expand social justice. More accepting of large corporations.

Federal Reserve System

Wilson’s banking reform that created a central banking system with regional banks supervised by a Federal Reserve Board. Gave government power of interest rates and money supply.

Federal Trade Commission

Federal agency created to investigate and stop unfair business practices like price-fixing and monopolistic behavior. Part of Wilson’s antitrust program.