U.S. Social Movements and Reforms

A period of social and political reform that aimed to address problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Progressives believed that government should play a role in solving these problems and creating a fairer society.

A group of journalists who exposed corruption and problems in American society during the Progressive Era. They wrote about issues like unsafe working conditions, poverty, and political corruption.

A law passed in 1920 that made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal in the United States. This was a major victory for the Women's Christian Temperance Union and other groups that believed alcohol was harmful.

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1896 that upheld racial segregation in public facilities. It established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which allowed states to discriminate against African Americans.

A movement that aimed to improve the lives of women by advocating for their right to vote, access to education, and equal opportunities. It gained momentum throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment.

A reform movement that sought to apply Christian principles to social problems, advocating for social justice and economic reforms.

A prominent social reformer who established Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago, providing services to the poor and immigrants.

Community centers in urban areas providing services such as childcare, education, and social programs to immigrants and the poor.

Laws enacted in the South after Reconstruction to disenfranchise African Americans and impose racial segregation, often through discriminatory practices.

A book written by Ida Tarbell, exposing the unethical business practices and monopolistic control of the Standard Oil Company.

A novel by Upton Sinclair that depicted the horrific conditions in the meatpacking industry, sparking public outcry and leading to food safety reforms.

A reform movement that aimed to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, ultimately leading to the passage of the 18th Amendment.

A political reform measure that allows citizens to propose laws directly through the ballot box.

A political reform measure that allows citizens to vote on laws passed by the legislature, giving them a direct say in policy decisions.

Theodore Roosevelt's policy aimed at promoting public welfare and social justice, encompassing conservation, consumer protection, and trust-busting.

A legal process by which monopolies and trusts were broken up to promote fair competition and protect consumers from unfair business practices.

A prolific journalist who exposed corruption and tenement conditions in New York City, particularly in his book "How the Other Half Lives."

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, founded in 1909, dedicated to fighting racial discrimination and achieving equal rights for African Americans.

A prominent investigative journalist best known for exposing the unethical practices of Standard Oil in her book "History of the Standard Oil Company."

The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote in all elections, including federal elections. This was culmination of a long and hard fought movement for women's suffrage.

This quote from Justice Brown highlights the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which allowed for racial segregation, even if it seemingly provided equal opportunities for people of color.

This doctrine was upheld in the case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).

The 15th Amendment prohibits states from denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The photo depicts African Americans exercising their Voting right.

This map shows that the western states, particularly in the West Coast, were more supportive of women's suffrage than eastern states even before the passage of the 19th Amendment.

The 17th Amendment established the direct election of Senators by the people, instead of being chosen by state legislatures.

Upton Sinclair's The Jungle exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to public outrage and the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.

The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. The image depicts people celebrating the 'dry' law.

The 16th Amendment allows the federal government to collect income taxes from individuals. It paved the way for a progressive taxation system and a greater role of the government in providing public goods.