Progressive Politics under Roosevelt and Wilson

Progressivism

One of the most notable changes was the introduction of antitrust legislation, which sought to break up monopolies and encourage competition. The Progressive Era also saw the passage of laws regulating child labor, as well as new regulations regarding working hours and conditions. Furthermore, Progressives pushed for greater transparency in business dealings, leading to the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reforms helped to create a more level playing field for businesses, and ultimately led to a more robust economy.

Also, big business was reformed through tariff and banking reforms initiated under Woodrow Wilson. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission Act in 1914 gave the federal government oversight of corporations. And the Federal Farm Loan Act of 1916 gave farmers access to low-rate federal loans so that they could compete with big businesses more fairly and not be pushed out of the market. Additionally, the Adamson Act of 1916 established the 8-hour workday for interstate railway workers, helping to usher in a reform among big businesses that benefitted the working class. Also the Hepburn Act of 1906 enforced corporate regulation through the Interstate Commerce Commission under Roosevelt.

Reform of the federal government occurred as Progressives sought to reform the federal government in order to make it fairer to the majority of Americans. They did this by advocating for a number of changes, including direct election of senators, stronger anti-trust laws, and an income tax. Progressives also pushed for a number of reforms at the state and local level, such as civil service reform and the implementation of primary elections. While they did not succeed in all of their goals, Progressives were successful in making the government more responsive to the needs of the American people.

Additionally, the civil service system was created, and laws were passed to regulate child labor and protect workers’ rights. In addition, the Federal Reserve System was established to help prevent bank runs and create a more stable economic system that would support the federal government’s spending initiatives. The Federal Reserve System was not really federal, as shareholders were and always have been private banks, but the system was meant to provide a kind of aid to federal concerns, such as ensuring the labor market was strong and that inflation was under control.

One way social reform occurred was by enlarging the women’s sphere and giving women more empowerment, particularly through women’s suffrage. Other ways they did this was by addressing problems such as poverty, child labor, immigration, and corruption in government. Essentially, the country was transitioning from an agrarian society to an industrial one, and many Americans were struggling to adapt. To address the problems caused by this transition, Progressives advocated for a variety of reforms, including regulation of the railroad industry, improved working conditions for laborers, and prohibition of child labor. They also helped lay a foundation for more civil rights for African Americans and women.