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Coal Strike of 1902
This was a coal strike by the mine workers in the anthracite coalfields of eastern Pennsylvania. This event help highlight the poor working conditions and the want for the government to intervene. President Theodore Roosevelt was forced to intervene and this showed the awareness which was only to grow for change in social issues and the government to push social and economic reforms. -
Hepburn Act of 1906
This Act was to regulate the railroad industry and manage unfair rates which were charged by railroads. This then gave power to the Interstate Commerce Commission to control these rates and other parts of the railroad industry. This contributed to the Progressive Ideals to manage corporate power and the need for more social justice. -
Meat Inspection Act
This implemented federal inspection of meat sold through interstate commerce and allowed for regulations to be set on cleanliness and quality. During the Progressive Era there was a push for safety within work and overall health. This act which was inspired by "The Jungle'' by Upton Sinclair as it shed light on the unsanitary working conditions and production of meat. This act was the government intervention to create a healthier society with food safety. -
Pure Food and Drug Act
This was passed the same day as the Meat inspection Act as it was very similar in its Progressive motives for the betterment of society through government intervention. These acts prohibited the manufacture, shipment or sale of impure falsely labeled drugs and food. These acts showed another change in relationship with the government and businesses. -
United States Children Bureau
This organization was signed off by President Taft from the ideals of the Progressive Era for social changes and equality. This organization was to investigate issues like infant mortality, orphanages, and dangerous work conditions. This was pushed by Progressives as more light was shed on the dangerous conditions of children working and made its way to the government to be more involved in working conditions as seen from the Coal Strike of 1902. -
16th Amendment
The creation of the 16th Amendment came from the Income Tax Case, Pollock v. Farmers Loan and Trust Co. During the case the Supreme Court ruled that income taxes were unconstitutional. This was because it was a direct tax that should be based on population of states. The 16th Amendment fixed this problem by letting Congress to income tax without rules to population. -
16th Amendment Part 2
From this it allowed the federal government to tax higher salary persons for higher percentages of income taxes. This is why the 16th Amendment fits in the Progressive Era because during this time there was a worry for the concentration of money being only so many wealthy people and corporations. This was ultimately a push for economic equality which fits the Progressive Era and its social activism and Political reform. -
17th Amendment
The 17th Amendment was an outcome of dissatisfaction of the way Senators were elected. This was because many wealthy people wanting to be Senators could easily bribe state legislatures. The 17th Amendment was needed to allow voters of citizens to vote. This gave the citizens the ability to directly vote for their Senators. -
17th Amendment part 2
This fits with the Progressive Era because during this time there was a call for equality and in some ways fairness especially when coming to government and citizen involvement and creating a more Direct Democracy. The 17th Amendment assisted these ideals by giving citizens more of a direct role in selecting those controlling the government. -
Organic Act
The National Park service was created by the Organic Act approved by Congress and signed by President Woodrow Wilson. The Organic Act was to protect natural resources especially for future generations. This fit the progressive ideals at the time as many social reformists and economic utilitarians influenced the protection of wildlife. This creation of park protection during the Progressive Era came from the idea to protect nature against industrial advancements and overall expansion.
Legislation -
18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment arose from the change or increasement in social activism during the Progressive Era for the reason of higher expectations of better behavior and goal to end corruption. This amendment prohibited the production of alcohol in the United States. This was to address social issues from alcohol abuse. As said before while it fit with the Progressive Ideals at the time it was later repealed. -
19th Amendment
At the end of the Civil War African Americans were allowed to vote by the passing of the 15th Amendment. However, this did not include women and many wealthy white woman pushed for the right to vote but not only the wealthy or white women did. Many women in the lower classes wanted the right to vote as many of them had to work and wanted say in their working conditions and the ultimate function of the government. -
19th Amendment Part 2
During the Progressive Era it was a time for a change for greater equality and as said before a more Direct Democracy which is what the 19th Amendment pushed for. It allowed for equal rights to vote all around in the United States for citizens.