Definition: Period from 1900 – 1920 during which reformers sought to improve government, regulate businesses, help workers and help the poor.
Theodore Roosevelt (Republican)
- VP for William McKinley, became president at age 43 when McKinley assassinated in 1901- youngest ever
- Wanted to give all Americans a ‘Square Deal’- a more just and equitable society
- Much of the Progressive legislation was passed while he was in office until 1909
- Known as the ‘trust buster’ and conservationalist for establishing system of national parks
- Tried to run again in 1912 under the Bull Moose Party (progressive party)
The Muckrakers
- Journalists and writers who fought for reform
- Used newspapers and novels to expose corruption, injustice
- Often bent the truth to accomplish goals
- Best example- Upton Sinclair- wrote novels, like The Jungle, describing evils of capitalism
Suffragists
- Women fighting for the right to vote
- Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton start National Women’s Suffrage Association in 1869 to secure amendment in Constitution
| Progressive Legislation | ||
| 1901 | New York State Tenement House Law | Requires fire escapes, lights in dark hallways, a window in each room |
| 1902 | Maryland Workmen’s Compensation Law | Provide benefits for workers injured on the job |
| Wisconsin Direct Primary Law | Allows voters to select candidates | |
| Oregon Initiative and Referendum laws | Gives voters power to initiate legislation and vote on important issues | |
| Newlands Act | Funds irrigation projects in West | |
| 1903 | Oregon women’s labor law | Limits work for women in industry to 10 hours a day |
| Elkins Act | Strengthens Interstate Commerce Act | |
| 1906 | Hepburn Act | Authorizes Interstate Commerce Commission to set maximum railroad rates |
| Pure Food and Drug Act | Prohibits sale of adulterated or fraudulently labeled foods and drugs | |
| Meat Inspection Act | Enforces sanitary conditions in meatpacking plants | |
| 1910 | Mann Act | Prohibits interstate transportation of women for immoral purposes |
| 1913 | 16th Amendment | Authorizes federal income tax |
| 1915 | Seaman’s Act | Regulates conditions of maritime workers |
| 1916 | Federal Farm Loan Act | Provide farmers with low interest loans |
| Federal Child Labor Law | Barred products produced by children from interstate commerce (declared unconstitutional in 1918) | |
| 1919 | 18th Amendment | Prohibited sale and production of intoxicating liquors |
| 1920 | 19th Amendment | Gave women the right to vote |
