The Progressive Era

Theodore Roosevelt Elected President

Nov 8, 1904

Elected president.

Lochner v. New York

Apr 17, 1905

The Supreme Court decides in Lochner v. New York that states
are forbidden from restricting working hours in private
businesses. Labor advocates argue, and four dissenting justices
agree, that some hazardous jobs require state oversight.
Lochner is a victory for big business.

Industrial Workers of the World Founded

Jun 27, 1905

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Feb 26, 1906

Hepburn Act Passed

Jun 29, 1906

Pure Food And Drug Act Passed

Jun 30, 1906

President Roosevelt signs a comprehensive Pure Food and Drug
Act and the Meat Inspection Act. The Acts, passed after
“muckraking” journalists reveal unsanitary conditions in food
production and the existence of fraudulent medicines, impose
fines on companies that endanger the health of consumers.

Meat Inspection Act

Jun 30, 1906

As a result of Roosevelt’s reform agenda and the publication of
“muckraking” works like The Jungle, the federal government
passes the Meat Inspection Act. As with the Pure Food and Drug
Act (passed the same day), the government steps in to restrain
big business and protect the public’s health and welfare.

Roosevelt Denounces Segregation

Dec 3, 1906

Muller V. Oregon

Feb 24, 1908

William Taft Elected President

Nov 3, 1908

NAACP Founded

Feb 12, 1909

Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act Passed

Apr 9, 1909

Freud visits United States

Sep 7, 1909

Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire

Mar 25, 1911

Antitrust Suit Triggers Breakup of Standard Oil

May 15, 1911

Progressive Bull Moose Party Formed

Jun 22, 1912

Woodrow Wilson Elected President

Nov 5, 1912