UNIT 2: INDUSTRIALIZATION AND PROGRESSIVISM C14 Notes

Content statement 14 The Progressive era was an effort to address the ills of American society stemming from industrial capitalism, urbanization and political corruption.

Problems in society Several problems occurred in society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of the following: Industrial capitalism Urbanization Political corruption

Farmer’s alliances and populism Populism: siding with the “people” over the “elites” Established as a reaction to poor conditions resulting from industrialization Based among poor white cotton farmers in the south and wheat farmers in the Great Plaines Showed hostility to banks, railroads, and elites Populist party selected William Jennings Bryan as a presidential candidate

muckrackers Journalists who exposed Political corruption Corporate and industrial practices Social injustice in urban America

Antitrust laws Antitrust legislation – meant to regulate the actions of corporations and businesses

Northern securities company Company formed by several big business railroad owners in an attempt to monopolize the railroad industry Lawsuit was filed against the company by President Theodore Roosevelt Sherman Antitrust Act – prohibits business activities that the federal government deems anti-competitive Clayton Anti-Trust Act – prevented acts harmful to consumers and the formation of monopolies

Hepburn act gave the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) the power to set maximum railroad rates and extend its jurisdiction discontinued free passes to loyal shippers Gave the ICC the power to review financial records of railroad companies

Pure food and drug/meat inspection acts Prevented the sale of misbranded or altered food and drug products Ensured meat products were slaughtered and processed under sanitary conditions

Federal reserve act Created the central banking system of the United States Controls the money supply in the United States

Progressive reforms Conservation gains (U.S. Forest Service/National Park Service) Made political process more democratic 16th Amendment – power of Congress to levy income taxes 17th Amendment – direct election of U.S. Senators 18th Amendment – Prohibition of alcoholic beverage sales 19th Amendment – women’s suffrage rights