Interstate Commerce Act
Prohibited railroads from charging more for short hauls
than for long hauls over the same route; created the
Interstate Commerce Commission to investigate
complaints.
William Jennings Bryan
In 1896, the Democratic Party nominated William
Jennings Bryan after his “Cross of Gold” speech praised
farmers and denounced bankers for “crucifying mankind
on a cross of gold.”
Third Parties
The Populist Party appeared suddenly in the 1890’s and
disappeared just as fast. It left its mark on history – Third
parties often have an impact on the political process. They
provide an outlet for minorities to voice grievances and
generate new ideas.
Progressive Movement
The primary goal of the Progressives was to correct the political
and economic injustices that had resulted from America’s
industrialization – child labor, corruption in city government,
unsanitary practices in the meat industry, and women’s rights.
Social Gospel Movement
Protestant ministers called for social reforms – including
the abolition of child labor and safer working conditions.
Emphasized that each man is his brother’s keeper.
Muckrakers
Investigative reporters and writers who exposed the
abuses of industrial society and governmental
corruption.
Upton Sinclair
In his novel The Jungle (1906) he described the
unsanitary practices of the meat packing industry.
Jane Addams
Began settlement houses – an all-purpose community
center for poor people living in crowded city
neighborhoods – provided child care, nursing services,
and English lessons for immigrants
W.E.B. DuBois
W.E.B. DuBois was one of the founders of the NAACP
(National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People) he toured the country delivering speeches in
favor of achieving immediate racial equality.
Seventeenth Amendment
Provided for the direct election of Senators. Senators
were elected directly by the people instead of being
chosen by state legislatures.
Theodore Roosevelt
President Roosevelt believed that the President was one
official who represented all Americans, and that the
President should exercise vigorous leadership in their
interest. He believed in being a man of action.
Square Deal
Roosevelt’s Square Deal consisted of protecting the public
health through the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and
Drug Act; regulating transportation and communication; and
conserving the nations natural resources. Known as a “trust
buster” for taking on monopolies and big business.
William H. Taft
A conservative Progressive, Taft was elected President
with Roosevelt’s help. Taft continued many of
Roosevelt’s policies, such as trust busting. However Taft
was not a skilled politician and alienated Progressives.
Federal Reserve Act
Created to regulate the amount of money in circulation
by controlling the amount of money that banks could
lend. Reformed the banking industry by establishing 12
regional Federal Reserve Banks. (“banker’s banks”)
Woodrow Wilson
Enacted a law lowering tariffs by 25%. To make up for the lost
revenue from lowering the tariffs, he introduced the nation’s
first income tax. He passed anti-trust legislation to protect
consumers from unfair business practices by corporations.
Established the National Park Service.
National Park Service
Established in 1916, 40 existing parks, monuments and natural
wonders came under federal protection. It’s purpose is to
conserve the natural scenery, historic objects and wildlife for the
enjoyment of the American people.
Susan B. Anthony
Anthony and other women reformers were able to obtain
suffrage in a number of Western states, but they could
not succeed in introducing a constitutional amendment
requiring all states to give women the vote.
Nineteenth Amendment
In 1920 this amendment established that no state could
deny a citizen the right to vote on the basis of sex. It was
a step forward in making the United States a true
democracy – a system of government by the people.