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The Pullman Strike
The Pullman Strike took place in 1894 when workers felt that they were not being treated fairly. Many workers resided in Pullman, Chicago, right near the workplace. When an economic depression hit, Pullman laid off thousands of workers while the remaining workers were deducted 25% off of their wages. After these wage garnishes, the workers were still required to pay the same amount of rent, so the workers banded together to demand better conditions, and they walked off the job site. -
Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was considered the model of the 20th Century President, and he paved the way for progress in the United States. He primarily focused on Environmental Conservation to preserve wildlife for future generations to see and admire. He strove to create equality between big businesses and everyone else. -
Creation of National Parks
During the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, 5 National Parks were founded. These 5 parks include Crater Lake (Oregon), Wind Cave (South Dakota), Sully's Hill (North Dakota), Mesa Verde (Colorado), and Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Theodore Roosevelt saw big businesses as a threat to wildlife, which fueled his motivation to establish these National Parks. He aimed to protect the environment's natural resources for generations to come. -
Presidency of William Taft
William Taft was seen as a progressive president, and he swore to continue Theodore Roosevelt's presidential election. Taft continued to recognize the importance of wildlife conservation through his presidency. Taft also continued to improve the economy. He built roads and an abundance of schools during his presidency. He continued on a progressive path during his time in office to improve life for Americans. -
Signing of the 17th Amendment
The 17th Amendment required a direct election of senators. This allowed for the people to have more of a voice in the government, and this changed the balance of power between the people and the government. This is seen as progressive because U.S. Voters had even more of a voice in their society. -
Signing of the 16th Amendment
The signing of the 16th Amendment was a progressive step towards equality for the middle and working class. The 16th Amendment allowed for Congress to impose income taxes, and this would directly affect the upper class citizens who typically didn't pay taxes. -
Compulsory Education Act
The Compulsory Education Act required any children under the age of 16 to be in school during school hours. This law was passed in all U.S. states by 1918, and it was targeted to limit child labor. Before this law, there were no regulations limiting child labor. -
Signing of the 18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacturing and sales of alcoholic beverages. This was because alcohol was seen as the cause for the violence that was breaking out in big cities. Drunkenness and alcoholism had been normalized, and on average adults were drinking 2.5 gallons of pure alcohol yearly! This amendment was seen as progressive because it was looking out for the livelihood and health of American citizens affected by alcohol violence and addiction. -
Signing of the 19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment allowed women the right to vote. Although it was not fully inclusive, as women of color had a significantly more difficult time gaining their right to vote. Leading up to this Amendment, women did not have a say in politics at all, they had no voice. This amendment was seen as progressive because it was the start of gaining gender equality. -
Fair Labor Standards Act
In the year 1938, Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act in attempts to create equality and fairness within the workplace. This Act determined a minimum wage, maximum number of hours an individual is allowed to work, and it determined the minimum age for an individual to work. This law targeting unfair wages, unfair work hours, and child labor.