progressive era

Key Figures

Theodore Roosevelt:  26th President of the United States; known for his “Square Deal” policies, trust-busting, and conservation efforts.

Woodrow Wilson:  President during World War I who supported reforms like the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Trade Commission.

Jane Addams:  Founder of Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago, and a leader in social work and community improvement.

Ida Tarbell:  A journalist (muckraker) who exposed the unfair practices of the Standard Oil Company.

Upton Sinclair:  Author of “The Jungle,” a novel that revealed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry and led to food safety reforms.

Important Terms

Muckrakers:  Journalists who investigated and reported on corruption and social injustices.

Trust:  A large business organization that attempted to eliminate competition.

Antitrust Laws:  Laws passed to break up monopolies and promote competition.

Settlement Houses:  Community centers in urban areas that provided education, childcare, and other services to immigrants and the poor.

Amendments:  Changes to the U.S. Constitution, such as the 17th Amendment (direct election of Senators) and the 19th Amendment (women’s suffrage).

• 16th Amendment:  Gave Congress the power to collect income tax from any source. This amendment was ratified in 1913. 

• 17th Amendment:  Established the direct election of senators by the public, instead of by state legislatures. This amendment was ratified in 1913. 

• 18th Amendment:  Prohibited the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This amendment was ratified in 1919 and was repealed by the 21st Amendment. 

• 19th Amendment:  Gave women the right to vote. This amendment was ratified in 1920. 

Timeline of Key Events

1890s:  Beginning of the Progressive Era. Social problems due to rapid industrialization and urban growth become more visible.

1901–1909: Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency; trust-busting and conservation efforts are at their peak.

1906:  Passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.

1913:  Ratification of the 16th Amendment (income tax) and the 17th Amendment (direct election of Senators).

1920:  Ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Key Causes

• Industrialization & Urbanization:  Rapid industrial growth led to crowded cities, poor working conditions, and a gap between rich and poor.

• Political Corruption:  Many politicians were controlled by business interests and political machines, leading to corruption and unfair policies.

• Social Problems:  Issues such as child labor, unsafe working conditions, and poor sanitation pushed reformers to demand change.

Main Goals and Reforms

Government Reform:

• Direct Democracy:  Introduction of reforms like the initiative, referendum, and recall to give citizens more control.

• Direct Election of Senators:  The 17th Amendment allowed Americans to vote directly for their senators.

Business Regulation:

• Trust-Busting:  Efforts by presidents like Theodore Roosevelt to break up large monopolies and regulate business practices.

• Antitrust Laws:  Laws such as the Sherman Antitrust Act were used to promote competition.

Social Welfare:

• Labor Reforms:  Laws to improve working conditions, reduce work hours, and stop child labor.

• Health and Safety Regulations:  Acts like the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) ensured products were safe for consumers.

• Women’s Suffrage:  The fight for women’s right to vote culminated in the 19th Amendment, which was ratified in 1920.

• Environmental and Conservation Efforts:  Leaders like Theodore Roosevelt promoted conservation of natural resources.