The Progressive Era Flashcards
Study tool
What was the Progressive Era?
A period from 1900 to 1920 marked by social activism and political reform.
What societal issues prompted the Progressive Era?
Growing divide between wealthiest citizens and working class, exploitation of natural resources, corruption, and public demand for economic opportunity and equality.
Who were Muckrakers?
Journalists who exposed corruption and social injustices.
Name a significant work by Ida Tarbell.
An expose on the Standard Oil Company.
What was Upton Sinclair’s contribution to the Progressive Era?
The Jungle’s portrayal of the meatpacking industry.
What was Teddy Roosevelt’s approach to Big Business?
Advocated for free enterprise with corporate responsibility and aimed to curb unfair practices.
What was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?
A law supported by Roosevelt to stop monopolies and unfair business practices.
What was the outcome of the Northern Securities Company Lawsuit?
Roosevelt’s lawsuit led to a Supreme Court victory in 1904, prioritizing public welfare over capitalism.
What did the Elkins Act (1903) accomplish?
Ended the practice of railroads giving rebates to certain companies.
What legislation allowed the ICC to regulate railroad rates?
Hepburn Act (1906).
What was Roosevelt’s view on trusts?
Distinguished between ‘good’ trusts that benefited the public and ‘bad’ trusts that harmed it.
What was the Panic of 1907?
A financial crisis where Roosevelt intervened to stabilize the stock market.
What was the Square Deal?
Roosevelt’s promise to balance competing interests and ensure fairness for all.
What conservation efforts did Roosevelt undertake?
Set aside public lands, created national parks, and promoted irrigation.
What acts were passed in response to The Jungle?
Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act (1906).
Who succeeded Teddy Roosevelt in the 1908 election?
William Howard Taft.
What characterized Taft’s personality?
Friendly and cheerful, heavily relied on his wife for advice.
What did the Mann-Elkins Act (1910) extend?
The ICC’s authority to regulate railroads, telephones, telegraphs, and radio.
What constitutional amendments were aligned with Progressive goals during Taft’s presidency?
- 16th Amendment (income tax)
- 17th Amendment (direct election of U.S. Senators)
What was Dollar Diplomacy?
Taft’s focus on expanding American economic influence through investments.
What was Wilson’s background?
Born to a Presbyterian minister, educated at Princeton, and became governor of New Jersey.
What was a major outcome of the 1912 election?
Wilson’s victory due to the Republican Party split.
What did the Underwood Tariff (1913) accomplish?
Reduced import duties and included an income tax for higher earners.
What was the Federal Reserve Act (1913)?
Established a national banking system with regional reserve banks.
