Progressive Era 1890-1912

Question 1

Fundamentals of Populists

Answer 1

• Consisted of farmers, working people and supporters of silver
• Opposed big business
• RR regulation
• More gov regulation on farm prices
• Max. 8 hr work day
• Alter the basis of the currency
• Direct election of senators
• Graduated income tax

Question 2

Silver

Answer 2

Bimetallists felt silver should be included in the coinage, as well as gold. Rapid growth of silver after discovery in Nevada.
Sherman Silver Purchase Act 1890 - gov would buy 4.5mn ounces of silver each month at market price and use it in the production of coinage.

Question 3

1896 Election

Answer 3

William Jennings Bryan - Populist (6.4mn votes)
William McKinley - Republican (7mn votes)

Mark Henna spent $3mn supporting MK to smear reputation of WJB. Sent 1,500 speakers to undecided electoral areas to vote for MK.

Question 4

PP: Economic aims

Answer 4

Gov should have more control of banks, insurance companies and the stock market.
Wanted new legislation to ensure employers would recognise TUs, regulated working hours and compensation for injuries at work.

Question 5

PP: Social aims

Answer 5

Female emancipation - 1890 the National Suffrage Association was set up for the vote of women.
Provide a safety net to the poor through state-funded welfare benefits.
1893 Anti-Saloon League set up to campaign for Prohibition

Question 6

PP: Political aims

Answer 6

Changes to Constitution (e.g. female vote, direct election of senators).
Greater role for fed gov in economy to regulate big business.
Radical reform of town management, progressives wanted more open, democratic system.
Changes to political parties, which seemed to be dominated by wealthy businessmen.

Question 7

Teddy Roosevelt (TR)

Answer 7

1901-1909 Progressive Republican
Busted 44 trusts.

Question 8

(TR) Square Deal “”

Answer 8

“big business will be treated fairly, Labour unions will be treated fairly and the private citizen will be treated fairly”

Question 9

(TR) Pure Food and Drug Act 1906

Answer 9

Federal inspection of food and medicine and banned the interstate shipment and sale of impure foods and the mislabelling of food and drugs.

Question 10

(TR) National Conservation Commission

Answer 10

Planned management of natural resources involving the protection of some wilderness areas (148mn acres).

Question 11

William Howard Taft

Answer 11

1909-1913 Progressive Republican
Busted 99 trusts.

Question 12

(WT) Support of Keating-Owen Child Labour Act 1916

Answer 12

Banned sale of goods made by children - overturned by SC in 1918.

Question 13

(WT) National Park Service
1916

Answer 13

Agency established to conserve nature - 40 national parks created.

Question 14

Woodrow Wilson (WW)

Answer 14

1913-1921 Progressive Republican