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Passage of the Pendleton Act
Also known as the Civil Service Reform Bill. People who wanted government jobs had to take/pass a test to be hired. No more "hooking up" friends with jobs! -
Interstate Commerce Act
Made it illiegal for railroad companies to charge unfair rates. Ended state's control of railroad rates. First fedaral law to regulate laissez-faire. -
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The Issues of the Progressives
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Formation of the Populist Party
A political party created to help farmers, miners and factory workers. They were against unfair bankers and railroad owners. Women played an important part in this group. -
Social Gospel Movement
Led by Protestant ministers. They attempted to begin social reforms. They wanted to end child labor and create safer working conditons. Origin of groups such as the Salvation Army. -
Muckrakers
Authors and journalists who exposed the "dirty" side of many aspects of life -
Theodore Roosevelt begins the Square Deal
President Roosevelt begins his attack on large business monopolies known as "trusts." -
"History of the Standard Oil Company"
A book written by Ida Tarbell and exposed Rockefeller's crooked business practices -
"The Shame of the Cities"
A book written by Lincoln Steffens exposing the corruption in cith and state governments. -
"The Jungle"
A novel written by Upton Sinclair exposing the filthy conditions in the Chicago meat packing industry. -
Food
Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act attempt at making food safer for consumers. -
William Taft
In 1909 William Taft becomes the second Progressive Era president. He continued many of Roosevelt's policies. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
A horrible fire killed over 140 women in a clothing factory. A lack of safety equipment/fire escapes led to the passage of regulations to protect workers. -
Woodrow Wilson
In 1913 Wilson became the third Progressive Era president. He also wanted to control "Big Business" and monopolies. -
16th Amendment
The beginning of the Federal Income Tax which we still have today. -
Clayton Anti-Trust Act
This gave workers the ability to go on strike to dispute unfair labor issues. Courts could no longer restrict labor unions. -
17th Amendment
Became officlal in all states by 1914. It allowed the voters in each state to vote directly for thier state senators. Before this amendment, state senatos were appointed. -
18th Amendment
Led by supporters of the Temperance Movement, it made it illiegal to manufacture, sell or transport alchoholic beverages. -
19th Amendment
This amendment gave all women the right to vote. Activist such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were the main proponents of this movement.