Progressive EraVersión en línea Reforms of American Society por Jefferson County ESC 1 Rise of Progressivism Industrial capitalism, urbanization, and political corruption contributed to problems in American society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 2 Muckrakers Journalists, called muckrakers, exposed political corruption, corporate and industrial practices, social injustice, and life in urban America. 3 Industrial Capitalism Progressives introduced reforms to address the issues associated with industrial capitalism. Their efforts led to antitrust lawsuits, antitrust legislation, railroad regulation, consumer protection legislation, and conservation reforms. Examples of progressive reforms included: • Sherman and Clayton Antitrust Acts; • Pure Food and Drug Act; • Meat Inspection Act; and • creation of the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service 4 Urbanization Progressives sought to address concerns arising with growing urban settlement. Examples of actions taken to combat problems caused by urbanization included: • the creation of settlement houses; • improvements in public sanitation; and • building codes established to address concerns with tenement housing. 5 Political Corruption The Federal Reserve Act was passed to control the nation’s money supply and regulate the banking system. Progressives fought political corruption and introduced reforms to make the political process more democratic. 6 Progressive Amendments Progressive Reforms included: • 16th Amendment (power of Congress to levy an income tax); • 17th Amendment (direct election of U.S. Senators); • 18th Amendment (prohibition of alcoholic beverages); and • 19th Amendment (women’s suffrage).