APUSH: Period 7, 1890-1945 - Progressive Era Reforms, Muckrakers, Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, 16th-19th Amendments

Why This Matters

The Progressive Era Reforms (1890s-1920s) were a pivotal moment in American history, marking a significant shift from laissez-faire capitalism to a more interventionist government. This period saw the rise of social and economic reforms, driven by the efforts of muckraking journalists, labor activists, and politicians. The Progressive Era's emphasis on government regulation, social welfare, and individual rights laid the groundwork for the New Deal and the Great Society programs of the 20th century. As an AP theme, this topic connects to "Politics and Power," highlighting the struggle for control between different interest groups and the role of government in shaping American society.

Key Events & People

• Theodore Roosevelt (26th President, 1901-1909): Known as the "Trust Buster," he used the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up large corporations and promote competition.
• Upton Sinclair (author, 1906): Published "The Jungle," a novel exposing the harsh conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act.
• Ida Tarbell (journalist, 1902): Wrote "The History of the Standard Oil Company," a muckraking exposé that led to the breakup of Standard Oil.
• The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911): A devastating factory fire in New York City killed 146 workers, leading to increased labor regulations and unionization efforts.
• The 16th Amendment (1913): Ratified, allowing Congress to tax income without apportioning it among the states.
• The 19th Amendment (1920): Ratified, granting women the right to vote.
• Jane Addams (social worker, 1889): Founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that provided social services and advocated for labor rights.
• Eugene Debs (labor leader, 1893): Led the American Railway Union in a strike against the Pullman Company, highlighting the struggles of workers during this period.
• The Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): Signed into law by President Roosevelt, regulating the food and pharmaceutical industries.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (1914): Established to regulate business practices and prevent monopolies.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The rise of industrialization and urbanization led to overcrowding, poor working conditions, and social unrest.
• Effect: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and other industrial disasters sparked public outrage and calls for reform.

• Long-term consequence: The Progressive Era reforms led to increased government regulation, social welfare programs, and labor protections, shaping American society for decades to come.

• Cause: The muckraking journalism of Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell exposed the harsh conditions in industries like meatpacking and oil.

• Effect: These exposés led to the passage of laws like the Meat Inspection Act and the breakup of Standard Oil.

• Long-term consequence: The muckraking movement contributed to the growth of government regulation and the decline of laissez-faire capitalism.

• Cause: The women's suffrage movement, led by figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, gained momentum in the early 20th century.

• Effect: The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote.
• Long-term consequence: Women's suffrage expanded democratic participation and paved the way for future social and economic reforms.

Essential Vocabulary

• Muckraker: A journalist who exposes corruption and social injustices, often through investigative reporting.
• Laissez-faire capitalism: An economic system that minimizes government intervention and regulation.
• Trust Buster: A nickname for President Theodore Roosevelt, who used the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up large corporations.
• Meat Inspection Act: A law passed in 1906, requiring the inspection of meat products to ensure safety and quality.
• Sherman Antitrust Act: A law passed in 1890, prohibiting monopolies and promoting competition.
• Settlement house: A community center or social service organization that provides support and advocacy for marginalized groups.
• Labor union: An organization that represents workers' interests and advocates for better working conditions and wages.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): An agency established in 1914 to regulate business practices and prevent monopolies.
• Pure Food and Drug Act: A law passed in 1906, regulating the food and pharmaceutical industries to ensure safety and quality.
• 19th Amendment: A constitutional amendment ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire occurred in 1911, but students often confuse it with the Haymarket Riot of 1886.
• Correction: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was a devastating factory fire in New York City that killed 146 workers, leading to increased labor regulations and unionization efforts.
• What students often get wrong: The 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913, but students often confuse it with the 17th Amendment, which established the direct election of senators.
• Correction: The 16th Amendment allowed Congress to tax income without apportioning it among the states, while the 17th Amendment established the direct election of senators.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of muckraking journalism in shaping Progressive Era reforms. Be sure to cite specific examples from Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" and Ida Tarbell's "The History of the Standard Oil Company."
• Possible DBQ question: Using the documents below, evaluate the impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire on labor regulations and unionization efforts. Be sure to cite specific documents, such as the New York State Factory Investigating Commission's report and the testimony of labor leaders.
• Possible LEQ question: How did the women's suffrage movement contribute to the passage of the 19th Amendment? Be sure to cite specific examples from the movement, such as the work of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main goal of the muckraking movement? Correct answer: To expose corruption and social injustices in industries like meatpacking and oil. Explanation: Muckraking journalists like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell used investigative reporting to expose the harsh conditions in these industries, leading to the passage of laws like the Meat Inspection Act and the breakup of Standard Oil.

2. Which amendment to the Constitution granted women the right to vote? Correct answer: The 19th Amendment. Explanation: The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote, expanding democratic participation and paving the way for future social and economic reforms.

3. What was the name of the law passed in 1906 to regulate the food and pharmaceutical industries? Correct answer: The Pure Food and Drug Act. Explanation: The Pure Food and Drug Act was a law passed in 1906, regulating the food and pharmaceutical industries to ensure safety and quality, and was a key example of the Progressive Era's emphasis on government regulation.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The "Gilded Age" was named by Mark Twain – it means glittering on the outside, corrupt inside.
• The Sherman Antitrust Act was passed in 1890.
• The 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913.
• The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920.
• The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire occurred in 1911.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was established in 1914.
• The Meat Inspection Act was passed in 1906.
• The Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in 1906.
• The 17th Amendment established the direct election of senators.
• The women's suffrage movement was led by figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.