Progressive Era

Period of social activism and political reform in the United States (1890s–1920s)

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Key events

The Progressive Era was a period of widespread social activism and political reform across the United States that spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s. The main objectives of the Progressive movement were addressing problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. The movement primarily targeted political machines and their bosses. By taking down these corrupt representatives in office, a further means of direct democracy was established. They also sought regulation of monopolistic trusts through antitrust laws, which were seen as a way to promote fair competition for the benefit of consumers.

Key Reforms and Legislation

The Progressive Era saw the passage of significant legislation aimed at curbing the power of large corporations and improving the lives of ordinary Americans. Some of the key reforms and pieces of legislation include:

• The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) - aimed at breaking up monopolies and trusts.
• The Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) - led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the safety of food and medicines.
• The Meat Inspection Act (1906) - mandated sanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.
• The Federal Reserve Act (1913) - established the Federal Reserve System to regulate the banking industry.
• The Clayton Antitrust Act (1914) - strengthened antitrust laws and protected labor unions from being targeted by antitrust actions.

Social Reforms

Progressives also focused on social reforms, including efforts to improve living conditions, education, and public health. Key social reforms included:

• The establishment of settlement houses, such as Hull House founded by Jane Addams, which provided services to immigrants and the poor.
• The temperance movement, which led to the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment (Prohibition).
• The women's suffrage movement, which culminated in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote.

Key Figures

Several key figures emerged during the Progressive Era, advocating for various reforms:

• Theodore Roosevelt - 26th President of the United States, known for his trust-busting activities and conservation efforts.
• Woodrow Wilson - 28th President of the United States, who implemented progressive policies such as the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act.
• Upton Sinclair - author of The Jungle, which exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry and led to food safety reforms.
• W.E.B. Du Bois - co-founder of the NAACP and advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Impact and Legacy

The Progressive Era had a lasting impact on American society and government. It led to the establishment of regulatory agencies, the expansion of democracy through reforms such as the direct election of senators (Seventeenth Amendment), and the promotion of social justice. The era also laid the groundwork for future reforms during the New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement.

See Also

• Gilded Age
• Roaring Twenties
• New Deal
• Civil Rights Movement
• Women's suffrage in the United States
• Temperance movement in the United States