the progressive era in america

  • hepburn act

    The American Hepburn Act, passed in 1906, aimed to strengthen the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) by giving it more authority to regulate railroad rates. It addressed the issue from the Gilded Age of unfair railroad monopolies that charged excessive rates and exploited consumers. The law allowed the ICC to set maximum rates for railroads and expanded its power to include pipelines and bridges, helping to protect the public.Roosevelt oversaw this act.
  • meat inspection act

    The Meat Inspection Act, passed in 1906, required the federal government to inspect meatpacking plants to ensure they met health and safety standards. It addressed the issues from the Gilded Age, where unsafe and unsanitary practices in the meat industry were a major concern, especially after Upton Sinclair's book The Jungle. The law aimed to protect consumers by making sure that meat products were processed under hygienic conditions and were safe to eat.Roosevelt also oversaw this act.
  • 16th amendment

    The 16th Amendment, ratified in 1913, gave the federal government the power to collect income taxes. It addressed the issue from the Gilded Age of unequal wealth distribution and a reliance on tariffs, which hurt poorer Americans more than the rich. The amendment allowed for a more progressive tax system, where wealthier individuals paid a higher share of taxes, helping to fund government programs and services.Taft oversaw this amendment.
  • 17th amendment

    The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, allowed for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people, rather than being chosen by state legislatures. It addressed the problem from the Gilded Age of political corruption, where senators were often selected through backroom deals that favored big businesses and special interests. This amendment aimed to make the Senate more responsive to the public and reduce corruption in the political process.woodrow Wilson was president when this was passed.
  • federal reserve act

    The Federal Reserve Act, passed in 1913, created the Federal Reserve System to serve as the central bank of the United States. It addressed the economic instability and frequent financial panics from the Gilded Age, when the lack of a central bank led to bank failures and credit shortages. The act aimed to stabilize the economy by controlling inflation, managing interest rates, and providing a safer banking system.Woodrow Wilson oversaw this act.
  • federal trade commission act

    The Federal Trade Commission Act, passed in 1914, created the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect consumers and prevent unfair business practices. It addressed the issues from the Gilded Age, when monopolies and trusts exploited consumers and stifled competition. The act gave the FTC the authority to investigate and stop deceptive or anti-competitive practices in business, aiming to promote fair competition and protect the public.Woodrow Wilson oversaw this act.
  • Clayton anti trust act

    The Clayton Antitrust Act, passed in 1914, aimed to strengthen antitrust laws by targeting specific business practices that could lead to monopolies. It addressed problems from the Gilded Age, when large corporations used unfair tactics like price-fixing and mergers to dominate markets. Signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson, the act prohibited practices such as price discrimination and interlocking directorates, helping to promote fair competition and prevent the abuse of corporate power.
  • 18th amendment

    The 18th Amendment, ratified in 1919, banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. It addressed social concerns from the Gilded Age, where many believed alcohol was linked to crime, poverty, and family problems, and was supported by the growing temperance movement. The amendment aimed to reduce these social issues but led to widespread illegal alcohol trade, eventually being repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.
  • 19th amendment

    The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote in all U.S. elections. It addressed the long-standing issue from the Gilded Age and Progressive Era of gender inequality, when women had been denied voting rights despite advocating for them through movements like suffrage. The amendment was a major victory for women's rights, helping to expand democratic participation and equality in the United States.