Unit 3 THE PROGRESSIVE ERA

The Progressive ERA A political movement in the early 1900’s which saw social reforms such as child labor laws, a minimum wage, Women’s Rights, and political reforms

CIVIL SERVICE REFORM Congress took action in the late 19th century to protect ethical politicians and create standards for political service; including, a civil service test for those seeking a job in government.

Political Machines were a Problem Political Machines (a group that controls the activities of a political party) controlled a large number of immigrant voters by: Providing them with housing when they came to the city. Helping them find food and obtain jobs. Giving them financial aid at special holidays.

Key Progressive Reforms Recall- the process by which voters can remove an elected official before his or her term expires Initiative- Enables citizens to propose and pass a law directly without involving the state legislature Referendum- Laws passed by a state legislature is placed on the ballot for approval or rejection by the voters

Key Progressive Amendments 16th 17th 18th 19th I S A W Congress can tax Income Direct election of Senators by state voters Prohibited the manufacture and sale of Alcohol Women earn the right to vote

Social Issues Prohibition (18th Amend.)- banning of alcohol because alcoholism caused crime, violence, and families being torn apart Led to rise of illegal behavior “Bootlegging”- making and selling illegal alcohol “Speakeasies”- secret drinking clubs Corruption, bribery, and crime doom prohibition. Overturned by the 21st amendment in 1933

Economic Issues of Progressive ERA Federal Reserve Act of 1913- US divided into 12 regions, each with a Federal Reserve Bank Private banks remain independent, but operate under the Federal Reserve System rules “The Fed” loans money to banks if they run short of funds Makes the US financial system more stable

Impact of the Reform Leaders Upton Sinclair- wrote “The Jungle” detailing unsanitary conditions in meatpacking plants. Americans learn of the horrendous and unsafe ways food was produced and stored. Will lead to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act- Department of Agriculture must inspect packaged meat Pure Food and Drug Act- Testing drugs before they went on the market Susan B. Anthony- Supporter of Women gaining the right to vote. Proposed an amendment in 1878 that would eventually become the 19th Amendment in 1920. Helped organize the first Women’s Rights Conference the Seneca Falls Convention in New York Ida B. Wells- Early supporter of Civil Rights, documented and spoke out against lynching in the US Active in the push for women’s rights and suffrage Co-founder of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) W.E.B. DuBois- Co-founder of the NAACP. Thought African-Americans should protest unfair treatment and fight for equality

Sherman Anti-Trust Act Passed in 1890, in an effort to control monopolies, this act outlawed efforts to consolidate businesses under trusts that monopolized and restrained free trade.

TEDDY ROOSEVELT One of the 3 progressive Presidents, he created the reform “Square Deal “ - break up “bad” trust; leave “good” trust alone / regulate them. He passed ”Pure Food & Drug and Meat Inspection Acts of 1906” and also supported women having the right to vote. He also was a conservationist.

WILLIAM TAFT One of the 3 progressive Presidents. He signed the Payne – Aldrich Bill which raised tariffs Believed the gov’t could not differentiate between good / bad trust so he went after them all. He was the largest POTUS in history and is buried inside of a piano

WOODROW WILSON One of the 3 progressive He created the reform “New Freedom” to try and eliminate all trusts. He ushered in the Clayton Anti Trust Act.

CLAYTON ANTITRUST ACT In 1914 Congress enacted the Clayton Antitrust Act which strengthened the Sherman Act. The Clayton Act prevented companies from acquiring stock from another company (Anti- monopoly). The Act also supported union workers.

Impact of Third Parties Progressive Party- founded on the ideals of reform 1912 Election- Theodore Roosevelt runs as a “third party” candidate (a political party outside the two party system) Called the “Progressive Party” or “Bull Moose Party” Caused a Republican split between Roosevelt and Taft Democrat Woodrow Wilson wins election