Progressive Era Reforms

During the early 20th century, progressive reformers tried to combat problems such as dangerous working conditions and unsafe products that arose from industrialization and urbanization. They pursued many of these reforms through government. This table highlights some of the major federal legislative reforms passed during the progressive era.

Year

Reform

1903	The railroads are prohibited from giving secret rebates and charging discriminatory rates. (Elkins Act)
1906	Railroad rates are set by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), which also receives greater authority to regulate railroad operation. (Hepburn Act)
1906	Inspection is required for cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs sold for meat in interstate or foreign commerce. (Meat Inspection Act)
1906	Regulation of food and drugs is increased with the requirement to use pure ingredients and list them on packaging. (Pure Food and Drug Act)
1910	The ICC is granted the power to suspend proposed railroad rate changes and given control over communications companies such as telephone, telegraph, radio, and cable. (Mann-Elkins Act)
1913	Congress is given the power to establish a national income tax. (16th Amendment)
1913	Congress regulates the banking industry and creates a centralized reserve system. (Federal Reserve Act)
1913	U.S. senators are elected by popular vote, rather than by state legislatures. (17th Amendment)
1914	To promote free and fair business competition and to investigate companies suspected of violating fair-trade laws, Congress creates the Federal Trade Commission. (Federal Trade Commission Act)
1914	Corporate practices are regulated, and labor unions are exempt from antitrust laws and receive the right to strike. (Clayton Antitrust Act)
1916	Congress provides long-term credit at low interest for farmers. (Federal Farm Loan Act)
1916	Products of child labor are prohibited from interstate commerce. (Child Labor Act) In 1918, however, the act is declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, which rules that it infringes on personal freedom.
1916	An eight-hour workday is established for rail employees. (Adamson Act)
1919	Prohibition, which outlawed alcoholic drinks, is enacted. (18th Amendment) It is repealed in 1933. (21st Amendment)
1920	Women are given the right to vote. (19th Amendment)

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United States (History); United States (People)

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