The Progressive Era During The Gilded Age
The Progressive Era
The Progressive Era had a profound effect on the development of America. During the Gilded Age the government adopted a “hands off” approach which resulted in widespread corruption throughout America. Progressive reforms began to make headway when these issues became uncontrollable. The federal government began to search for a way to mend the complex issues of the day through reforms and amendments, while the state level sought its own solutions. This movement enacted many reforms on both the federal and state level, causing immense change in the political, social, economic world.
Many aspects of the political process was altered during the Progressive Era, mostly in the voting process. On the state level, changes were made place the power back into the hands of the public. Progressives called for initiative voting, this would allow for the public to propose state-legislature themselves. A referendum was also proposed, this reform would give the final approval of laws to the voters, which would give the people the power to help mandate the laws passed on big business. The recall was also enacted, this placed the option of removing corrupt officials on the ballot. …show more content…
Numerous states additionally adopted the Australian ballot, a system that allowed voters privacy when casting a vote. The new ballot cut down on the power of the political machines, like Tammany Hall, that were so common during the Gilded Age. Furthermore, multiple states in the west began to extend the right of voting to women. While on the federal level, there were many demands for the direct election of U.S. senators. Even though many senators in office were satisfied with the original process, states held a primary election where many voters expressed their desire for a direct voice in the election of their senators. This new pressure from the public resulted in the passing of the 17th amendment in 1913.
Along with the political strides being made, social reforms were under way as well. Women played a large role in these reforms. Many took on the challenges of maternal issues, calling for change in conditions facing children and women laborers. These women formed groups to combat these problems; one of these groups was the National Consumer League. This group enabled female consumers to fight for laws that protect women and children in the workplace. The National Consumer League found success at the state level in the milestone case, Muller v. Oregon. This Supreme Court case deemed it was constitutional for laws to be put in place specifically to protect female workers. New York legislature also passed much stronger laws mandating the working conditions and hours in sweatshops after a devastating fire that killed many immigrant female workers. On the other hand the federal government was just beginning to administer social reforms. Although when President Roosevelt came to office social change began to occur. After the revolting practices of the meat industry surfaced, he passed the Meat Inspection Act, which stated that meat passing state lines was subject to federal inspection. President Roosevelt also passed The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, this act was designed to prevent the adulteration and mislabeling of food and medications.
The Progressive Era also began to place regulations on big business on both the state and federal level.
A prime example of the final destruction of monopolies at the state level was the reform movements of the governor of Wisconsin, Robert M. La Follette. He fought for the control from the corrupt industries of lumber and railroads, he then returned the power to the people. Many other states followed suit, as they attempted to regulate railroads and trusts predominantly through public unity commissions. On the federal level, President Roosevelt pushed for the creation of a new Department of Commerce and Labor due to growing tensions between capital and labor. This new bureau was highly useful in breaking monopolies, subsequently opening the door for the breaking of
trusts.
In conclusion, the Progressive Era greatly impacted the political, social, and economic atmosphere of America. Many of the reforms made during this period still have some effect on America today. The voting process still contains many of the systems developed during the Progressive Era, in addition the strides made during this time resulted in woman suffrage in 1920. The social reforms of the time created a pathway for improved working conditions for all laborers. The economic reforms from this period resulted in almost a complete destruction of trusts and monopolies. The Progressive Era, while a strenuous time for many americans, resulted in the development of a stronger America.
The Progressive Era had a profound effect on the development of America. During the Gilded Age the government adopted a “hands off” approach which resulted in widespread corruption throughout America. Progressive reforms began to make headway when these issues became uncontrollable. The federal government began to search for a way to mend the complex issues of the day through reforms and amendments, while the state level sought its own solutions. This movement enacted many reforms on both the federal and state level, causing immense change in the political, social, economic world.
Many aspects of the political process was altered during the Progressive Era, mostly in the voting process. On the state level, changes were made place the power back into the hands of the public. Progressives called for initiative voting, this would allow for the public to propose state-legislature themselves. A referendum was also proposed, this reform would give the final approval of laws to the voters, which would give the people the power to help mandate the laws passed on big business. The recall was also enacted, this placed the option of removing corrupt officials on the ballot. …show more content…
Numerous states additionally adopted the Australian ballot, a system that allowed voters privacy when casting a vote. The new ballot cut down on the power of the political machines, like Tammany Hall, that were so common during the Gilded Age. Furthermore, multiple states in the west began to extend the right of voting to women. While on the federal level, there were many demands for the direct election of U.S. senators. Even though many senators in office were satisfied with the original process, states held a primary election where many voters expressed their desire for a direct voice in the election of their senators. This new pressure from the public resulted in the passing of the 17th amendment in 1913.
Along with the political strides being made, social reforms were under way as well. Women played a large role in these reforms. Many took on the challenges of maternal issues, calling for change in conditions facing children and women laborers. These women formed groups to combat these problems; one of these groups was the National Consumer League. This group enabled female consumers to fight for laws that protect women and children in the workplace. The National Consumer League found success at the state level in the milestone case, Muller v. Oregon. This Supreme Court case deemed it was constitutional for laws to be put in place specifically to protect female workers. New York legislature also passed much stronger laws mandating the working conditions and hours in sweatshops after a devastating fire that killed many immigrant female workers. On the other hand the federal government was just beginning to administer social reforms. Although when President Roosevelt came to office social change began to occur. After the revolting practices of the meat industry surfaced, he passed the Meat Inspection Act, which stated that meat passing state lines was subject to federal inspection. President Roosevelt also passed The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, this act was designed to prevent the adulteration and mislabeling of food and medications.
The Progressive Era also began to place regulations on big business on both the state and federal level.
A prime example of the final destruction of monopolies at the state level was the reform movements of the governor of Wisconsin, Robert M. La Follette. He fought for the control from the corrupt industries of lumber and railroads, he then returned the power to the people. Many other states followed suit, as they attempted to regulate railroads and trusts predominantly through public unity commissions. On the federal level, President Roosevelt pushed for the creation of a new Department of Commerce and Labor due to growing tensions between capital and labor. This new bureau was highly useful in breaking monopolies, subsequently opening the door for the breaking of
trusts.
In conclusion, the Progressive Era greatly impacted the political, social, and economic atmosphere of America. Many of the reforms made during this period still have some effect on America today. The voting process still contains many of the systems developed during the Progressive Era, in addition the strides made during this time resulted in woman suffrage in 1920. The social reforms of the time created a pathway for improved working conditions for all laborers. The economic reforms from this period resulted in almost a complete destruction of trusts and monopolies. The Progressive Era, while a strenuous time for many americans, resulted in the development of a stronger America.