Note
Studied by 8 people
The Progressive Era
THE PROGRESSIVE ERA (1890s - 1920s)
Political reform & social activism defined the Progressive Era, the main goal being to improve the conditions for a democratic society by creating solutions or getting rid of corruption. As a result of urbanization, American workers & immigrant laborers ended up living in tenement houses. Jane Addams' Hull House in Chicago is the most famous example of an urban housing situation from this time. Labor unions formed to push for changes. Union-organized strikes were a tactic used to show the value of employees' labor and, in many cases, won better pay & a safer work environment. Activists called muckrakers used journalism to expose corruption. In general, industries were improved & standardized during the Progressive Era.
Women played a large role in Progressive Era activism as they gained more political influence. The Temperance movement, led by a majority of women, resulted in Prohibition, the period when alcohol was illegal in the United States under the 18th Amendment. In 1920, the 19th Amendment finally granted women suffrage, or the right to vote.
The first "trust-busting" law, the Sherman Antitrust Act, banned monopolies. Congress also promoted a fair market through the Federal Trade Commission Act. The 16th Amendment created the income tax, and the 17th Amendment established the direct election of senators.
Progressive Era: A period in American history from the 1890s to the 1920s characterized by political reform and social activism aimed at improving conditions for a democratic society and combating corruption.
Tenement houses: Overcrowded and often poorly maintained urban housing units where American workers and immigrant laborers lived during the Progressive Era.
Hull House: A famous example of an urban housing situation during the Progressive Era, located in Chicago and founded by Jane Addams. It provided social and educational services to immigrants and the poor.
Labor unions: Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better working conditions, higher wages, and improved rights.
Muckrakers: Activist journalists who exposed corruption and social issues through investigative reporting during the Progressive Era.
Temperance movement: A social movement, predominantly led by women, that aimed to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol.
Prohibition: The period in the United States (1920-1933) when the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were prohibited by the 18th Amendment.
19th Amendment: An amendment to the United States Constitution ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote (suffrage).
Sherman Antitrust Act: The first federal law passed in 1890 to prohibit monopolies and promote fair competition in business.
Federal Trade Commission Act: A law passed in 1914 that established the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate and promote fair trade practices and protect consumers.
16th Amendment: An amendment to the United States Constitution ratified in 1913, which authorized the federal government to impose an income tax.
17th Amendment: An amendment to the United States Constitution ratified in 1913, which established the direct election of senators by the people.