APUSH Vocab Chapter 28

Progressives

Reformers who wanted to improve society by ending corruption, regulating big business, and helping workers and the poor. They believed government should play a bigger role in solving problems.

Slumlords

Landlords who owned run-down, overcrowded buildings in poor urban neighborhoods. They refused to spend money on repairs but charged high rent. Their neglect highlighted the need for housing and health reforms.

Separate spheres

The idea that men belonged in workplaces and politics, while women should stay home as wives and mothers. Progressives began challenging this idea by arguing that women needed rights to help improve society.

“wet” and “dry”

“Wets” supported alcohol and opposed Prohibition, while “drys” wanted to ban alcohol to improve public morals and reduce crime. The debate split communities and politics. It eventually led to national Prohibition.

Forest Reserve Act

Allowed the president to set aside public lands as national forests. Theodore Roosevelt used it to protect millions of acres from logging and development. It helped launch the modern conservation movement.

Sierra Club

An environmental organization founded by John Muir to protect America’s natural landscapes. It fought to preserve wild areas and promote national parks. The group became a major voice for conservation.

Ballinger-Pinchot quarrel

A political fight in 1910 between Gifford Pinchot and Richard Ballinger over land conservation. Pinchot accused Ballinger of giving away protected lands to big business. The conflict hurt President Taft’s image and split the Republican Party.

“dollar diplomacy”

President Taft’s policy of using American money and investments to influence other countries. The idea was that economic power could achieve stability and protect U.S. interests overseas. Although critics said it mainly helped big business.

Philander C. Knox

Taft’s Secretary of State who helped carry out dollar diplomacy. He encouraged American companies to invest in foreign nations, especially in Latin America and Asia. His policies aimed to increase U.S. influence without using the military.

Muller vs. Oregon

The Supreme Court upheld laws limiting women’s working hours. Reformers argued women needed special protection due to their physical differences. The ruling helped workplace reform but also reinforced gender stereotype

Lochner vs. New York

A 1905 Supreme Court case that struck down a law limiting bakers’ working hours. The Court claimed it violated “freedom of contract.” The decision made it harder for states to pass labor protections.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

Killed over 100 young women in a locked factory. The tragedy shocked the nation and led to major reforms in safety laws and working conditions. It became a symbol of the need for labor regulation.

Elkins Act of 1903

Targeted railroad companies that gave secret rebates to favored shippers. It strengthened government power to stop unfair pricing. The law was an early step in controlling big business.

Hepburn Act of 1906

Expanded the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). It allowed the ICC to set maximum railroad rates. This gave the government stronger control over transportation monopolies.

“bad” and “good” trusts

Roosevelt believed some trusts (big companies) were harmful and others were helpful. “Bad” trusts cheated consumers or bullied competitors, while “good” trusts were efficient and fair. He wanted to regulate or break up the bad ones.

Meat Inspection Act of 1906

Required federal inspection of meat shipped across state lines. It aimed to protect consumers from unsafe meatpacking practices. The law was passed after public outrage from The Jungle.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Banned the sale of contaminated or mislabeled food and drugs. It required accurate ingredient labels. It marked the beginning of federal consumer protection.

Aldrich Vreeland Act

Allowed banks to issue emergency currency during financial crises. It was created after the Panic of 1907 to stabilize the banking system. The act paved the way for the Federal Reserve System.

How the Other Half Lives

Jacob Riis’s book exposing terrible living conditions in New York slums. His photographs shocked middle-class Americans. The book pushed politicians to support housing reforms.

“muckrakers”

Journalists who exposed corruption, poverty, and problems in American society. Their articles appeared in popular magazines and helped inspire reform. They played a major role in the Progressive movement.

Ida M. Tarbell

A muckraking journalist known for exposing the unfair practices of the Standard Oil Company. Her writing showed how trusts abused their power. Her work contributed to breaking up the company.

The Jungle

Exposed horrible conditions in the meatpacking industry. Although Sinclair intended to show workers’ struggles, readers were most shocked by the unsanitary food. The book helped pass major food safety laws.

Millionaire’s Club

A nickname for the U.S. Senate in the early 1900s. Many believed senators were controlled by wealthy business interests instead of voters. This criticism helped lead to the Seventeenth Amendment.

Seventeenth Amendment

Allowed voters to elect senators directly instead of state legislatures choosing them. It reduced corruption and increased democracy. Progressives saw it as a major victory for political reform.

Robert M. LaFollette

A progressive governor and senator from Wisconsin. He pushed for political reforms like direct primaries and stronger regulation of business. His “Wisconsin Idea” became a model for other states.

National Consumers League

Fought for workers’ rights, especially for women and children. It encouraged consumers to buy from companies with fair labor practices. The group played a major role in Progressive reform.

“square deal”

Theodore Roosevelt’s domestic program. It focused on controlling corporations, protecting consumers, and conserving natural resources. Roosevelt promised fairness for workers, businesses, and the public.

Dept of Commerce and Labor

Helped regulate business and labor practices. It aimed to settle disputes and gather data on the economy. Later, it was split into two separate departments.

National Progressive Repub. League

Formed to support progressive reforms within the Republican Party. It opposed the conservative wing linked to President Taft. The group helped push for Roosevelt’s return to politics.

William H. Taft

Roosevelt’s chosen successor, but he ended up disappointing many Progressives. He supported trust-busting but was seen as too conservative and cautious. His actions helped split the Republican Party in 1912.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union

A major women’s organization fighting to ban alcohol. It believed alcohol caused social problems like poverty and domestic violence. The group also supported women’s rights and other reforms.