USH Chapter 20 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What role did Theodore Roosevelt play in the coal strike of 1902?

Roosevelt insisted that no one should own the miners. When the owners refused to arbitrate, he threatened to send the army so they gave in. Roosevelt made sure the miners got a square deal.

Which measures were passed to provide improved transportation regulation, consumer protection, accident insurance, and conservation of resources? (Select all that apply)

Newlands Reclamation Act (correct)

Employers Liability Act (correct)

The Hepburn bill (correct)

Meat Inspection Act (correct)

Theodore Roosevelt believed that a President should lead. Were his actions consistent with his beliefs?

True

How did reformers try to improve city government?

Reformers implemented a small commission to replace the mayor and city council, or hired a city manager to oversee city operations. Signup and view all the answers

Name some state reforms designed to improve government, regulate business, aid workers, and help the needy. (Select all that apply)

Direct Primary Signup and view all the answers

How did the 'muckrakers' attitudes about government affect their reform efforts?

Their constant search to point out crime and problems within the government encouraged quick and plentiful enactment of reforms. Signup and view all the answers

How did Taft disappoint reformers? (Select all that apply)

Supported Ballinger over Pinchot Signup and view all the answers

What steps led to the formation of the Progressive Party?

Taft was nominated at the Republican conventions, leading progressives to condemn the convention and encourage Roosevelt to lead a new party. Signup and view all the answers

How did Wilson's 'New Freedom' differ from Roosevelt's 'New Nationalism'?

'New Freedom' was more conservative and traditional, advocating for government as an umpire, whereas 'New Nationalism' called for a strong national government to regulate business. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Underwood-Simmons bill reform the tariff?

It reduced duties about 11%. Signup and view all the answers

What chief weakness of the banking system was the Federal Reserve Act designed to correct?

It addressed the currency problem and provided a way for banks to borrow in case of a 'run'. Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of business practices did the Clayton Act declare illegal?

Any practices that allowed businesses to lessen competition, especially if it resulted in a monopoly. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Federal Trade Commission supposed to promote fair business competition?

It could issue a 'cease and desist' order against companies engaging in unfair practices. Signup and view all the answers

What other Progressive legislation did Congress enact in Wilson's first term?

La Follette Seamen's Act improved conditions for seamen, and the Federal Farm Loan Act provided low interest loans to farmers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theodore Roosevelt and the Coal Strike of 1902

Roosevelt intervened when miners sought fair treatment, insisting on no owner control over miners.
Threatened to deploy the army when owners refused arbitration, leading to a resolution.
Ensured the miners received a "square deal."

Important Legislative Measures of Roosevelt's Era

Hepburn Act (1906): Strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission's (ICC) ability to regulate the transportation industry.
Meat Inspection Act: Authorized federal inspections of meat products transported in interstate commerce.
Pure Food and Drug Act: Addressed consumer protection by mandating safety regulations for food and drugs.
Employers Liability Act: Provided accident insurance coverage for railroad workers in the District of Columbia and interstate railroads.
Newlands Reclamation Act: Allocated funds for the construction of dams and irrigation projects.

Roosevelt's Presidential Actions

Demonstrated belief in an active presidential role by resolving the coal strike.
Enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act to dismantle monopolies.
Implemented significant conservation efforts, expanding national forests by 190 million acres.

City Government Reforms

Small Commission Model: A small group replaced the mayor and city council, managing city departments and enacting policies.
City Manager System: A trained manager hired by a small council to implement policies and manage city operations efficiently.

State-Level Reforms

Direct Primary: Voters had the power to select candidates for public office.
Regulatory Laws: Enacted for conservation, state bank supervision, and increased taxation on corporations.
Child Labor Laws: Established regulations to protect child workers.
Workmen's Compensation: Provided employer-funded injury coverage for hazardous jobs.
Compulsory Insurance: Required funds for the sick, disabled, and aged, along with progressive tax laws targeting the wealthy.

Role of Muckrakers in Reforms

Muckrakers focused on exposing governmental corruption and social issues, driving rapid enactment of reform measures.

Taft's Disappointments for Reformers

Tariff Revisions: Taft failed to make significant changes to the tariff despite promises of major reform.
Conservation Conflicts: Taft sided with Ballinger, which alienated conservationists, despite successful additions to national reserves in the Appalachian Mountains.

Formation and Impact of the Progressive Party

Conflict at Republican conventions favored Taft, leading progressives to view it as fraudulent.
Progressives rallied to support Roosevelt in creating a new political party.
The Progressive Party's emergence influenced the 1912 election dynamics.

Differences Between "New Freedom" and "New Nationalism"

New Freedom: Advocated for a conservative approach with minimal government intervention; aimed to free business and labor from monopolistic controls.
New Nationalism: Promoted a robust national government role in regulating business for public welfare.

Underwood-Simmons Bill and Tariff Reform

The bill effectively reduced tariffs by approximately 11%, marking a significant shift in economic policy.

Federal Reserve Act and Banking System Weaknesses

Aimed to address banking stability by allowing member banks to borrow from the Federal Reserve during crises.
Established a flexible national currency to better manage banking reserves in times of panic.

Clayton Act and Business Competition

Declared practices that reduced competition, particularly those leading to monopolies, as illegal to protect market integrity.

Role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Responsible for promoting fair business competition by issuing "cease and desist" orders against unfair trade practices.

Additional Progressive Legislation under Wilson

La Follette Seamen's Act: Enhanced working conditions, wages, and accommodations in the merchant navy.
Federal Farm Loan Act: Provided farmers with long-term, low-interest loans to support agricultural stability.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key events and figures from Chapter 20 of U.S. History, including Theodore Roosevelt's involvement in the coal strike of 1902. Explore significant measures regarding transportation, consumer protection, and conservation initiatives that shaped America during this era.