1. UNIT 2: INDUSTRIALIZATION AND PROGRESSIVISM
C14 Notes

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

16. 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