Period 7.1

Growth Expanded Opportunity: The economic growth during this period created opportunities but also led to instability, resulting in efforts to reform the U.S. society and its economic system.

The U.S. transitioned from a rural, agricultural economy to an urban, industrial one led by large companies.
- Technological Advancements: New technologies and manufacturing techniques shifted focus to consumer goods production, enhancing standards of living, personal mobility, and communication.
- Various consumer goods like refrigerators, cars, and radios became accessible to the public by the 1920s, partly due to the assembly line revolutionized by Henry Ford.
- Consumer-Driven Society: The rise of large corporations began dominating the economy, leading to improved standards of living and better infrastructure.

By 1920, a majority of the U.S. population resided in urban centers, providing new economic opportunities.
- Immigrant Contributions:
  - Women: Many entered the workforce, especially in textile industries.
  - International Migrants: New immigrants, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe, sought jobs in urban factories.
  - Internal Migration: African Americans and rural farmers moved to cities for industrial job opportunities, marking a significant demographic shift.

Episodes of credit and market instability, notably during the Great Depression, prompted calls for stronger financial regulations.
- Market Crash: The stock market crash of October 29, 1929, resulted in widespread bank failures (5,000 banks failed between 1929-1932) and significant loss of savings, prompting the need for reforms like the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) created in 1933 to insure bank deposits.

The Progressive Era in the early 20th century marked increased government action addressing corruption, social issues, and economic instability.
- Progressive Journalists: Many Progressive reformers, including notable muckrakers like Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair, focused on exposing corruption and advocating for social justice.
- Social Change Initiatives: Reformers established social institutions like Hull House to assist immigrants.

National-level Progressives sought legislation for economic regulation and democratic expansion.
- Constitutional Amendments: Notable amendments included:
  - 17th Amendment (1913): Allowed direct election of senators.
  - 18th Amendment (1920): Prohibited alcohol consumption (prohibition).
  - 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote (women's suffrage).

Preservationists and conservationists both supported national parks but had differing approaches to resource management:
- Preservationists: Advocated for protecting natural environments in their unaltered state (e.g. John Muir).
- Conservationists: Promoted sustainable resource management (e.g. Theodore Roosevelt).

The Progressive movement was marked by internal divisions:
- Segregation: Disagreements existed over support for segregation and differing views on immigration restriction and government participation.
- Key Figures: W.E.B. Du Bois opposed segregation while Booker T. Washington preferred economic empowerment.
- Democratic Participation: Some Progressives sought to enhance public engagement, while others relied on expert governance.

Although the New Deal did not fully end the Great Depression, it established a legacy of reforms that shaped American politics:
- Political Realignment: Many ethnic groups, including African Americans and working-class citizens, shifted their political allegiance to the Democratic Party.
- Long-Term Reforms: Agencies created during the New Deal continue to function today and have contributed to changing voting patterns.