The Progressive Era Flashcards
How long did the Progressive era last?
It started and ended between 1900-1916
What is Progressivism?
-A U.S. reform movement based on the belief that society could make progress against the abuses of the Industrial Revolution.
What were some of the most prominent concerns from Progressives?
-Urban poverty and slums
-Child labour
-Dangerous working conditions and low wages
-Unsanitary factory food processing
-Immigrant ghetto conditions
What did Progressives blame as the cause of ‘economic evils’ and why?
Trusts and monopolies as they controlled markets, held great influence over government, easily controlled wages, hours and working conditions in factories.
Why were Progressives so powerful?
They incorporated people from all walks of life and economic status
What are ‘muckrakers’ and name two people classified as ‘muckrakers’
They are reporters and novelists such as Lincoln Steffens and Upton Sinclair who would write about the problems facing the cities bringing it to the attention of the masses
Why did Theodore Roosevelt pass the ‘Meat Inspection Act of 1906’?
He saw Sinclair’s reports about the substandard practises taking place in the meatpacking industry such as the inclusion of rope and rats in canned ham
What was the Panic of 1907?
The New York Stock Exchange fell 50% from its peak the previous year causing panic across the US with many banks and companies going into bankruptcy
How was a depression avoid from the Panic of 1907?
People like JP Morgan pledged large sums of their own money to shore up the banking system in America
What system did the US implement to try and prevent events like the Panic of 1907?
Federal Reserve System
In 1912 Congress passed an amendment to the Constitution which meant that…..
Senators were now going to be directly elected by the people rather than state legislature in order to prevent businesses couldn’t control elections
When was William Taft president?
1909-1913
When was Theodore Roosevelt president?
1901-1909
When was Woodrow Wilson president?
1913-1921
Why did Woodrow Wilson win the 1913 elections?
Theodore Roosevelt decided he wanted to be president again but didn’t beat William Taft for the Republican nominee causing Roosevelt to make his own party splitting the Republican alliances
What system and act did Woodrow Wilson implement?
-Federal Reserve System
-Clayton Act
What does the Clayton Act forbid?
Business practices that lessened competition, set unfair prices or created monopolies
What acts did the Democrats implement to address the needs of farmers and workers?
-The Federal Farm Loan Act: low interest loans for farmers
-The Seamens Act: decent food and wages for sailors
-Workingmans Compensation Act: gave Federal services employees help when disabled
-Adamson Act: 8 hour work day for employees on interstate trains
How much did the economy total output increase by between 1900-1910
85%
For the first time in American history the number of Americans living in cities outnumbered those living in rural areas.
1. How many people lived in New York by 1910?
2. How much of the nation’s workers were employed in factories with more than 250 workers?
3. By 1890 how many Americans worked for wages?
-4.7 million
-Half
-2/3
Define mass consumption
The purchase of goods beyond the minimal need of food and shelter, by the majority of the population
Why did immigrants go to America during this time?
Some came to escape religious persecution but the majority were in search of political freedom and prosperity they couldn’t find in Europe
What treatment did Immigrants continue to experience in the workplace?
-Long hours for low pay
-Dangerous conditions
By 1900 women gained the rights to what?
-Own property
-Control their earnings
-Have custody of their children after divorce
