Question

1. Reformers in the Progressive Era came from differ- ent backgrounds and represented several distinct interests. What were some of those backgrounds and interests? How did their goals differ? 2. How did the economic crisis of the 1890s shape American politics? 3. Compare the reform legislation passed during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency with that of Wilson's term. How were these goals and achieve- ments shaped by the broader agenda of the party

Answer 1

1. Women became leaders in a range of social and political movements from 1890 through 1920. This period is known as the Progressive Era. Progressive reformers wanted to end political corruption, improve the lives of individuals, and increase government intervention to protect citizens. Margaret Sanger argued that birth control would improve family life, especially for working classes. Charlotte Hawkins Brown worked to ensure that black children received a good education. Florence Kelley fought for laws that protected women in the workplace.

2. As a result of the economic panic, stock prices declined. 500 banks were closed, 15000 businesses failed, and numerous farms ceased operation. Facing starvation, people chopped wood, broke rocks, and sewed in exchange for food.

Politics were affected greatly and produced upheaval that led to the realigning election of 1896 and the presidency of William McKinley.

3. Woodrow Wilson defeated Theodore Roosevelt to become president in 1912. Wilson’s first term saw the passage of much Progressive legislation and focused on tariff reform and segregation. Legislation that created the central banking system of the United States. It granted the legal authority to issue Federal Reserve Notes (now commonly known as the “U.S. dollar”) and Federal Reserve Bank Notes as legal tender. Banking reform was most notably accomplished by the 1913 creation of the Federal Reserve System and the passage of the Federal Farm Loan Act (1916), which set up Farm Loan Banks to support farmers.