Progressive Era Timeline

Hepburn Act

1906

bill that fortified the powers of the interstate commerce commission and strengthened federal regulations of railroads. Expanded the powers of the 1903 Elkins Act and gave ICC rulings the force of law.

Pure Food and Drug Act

1906

This act prohibited the sale of adulterated food and drugs in interstate commerce. It also laid a foundation for the nation's first consumer protection agency.

Meat Inspection Act

1906

This made requirements for sanitary conditions in packing houses stronger. It also required an inspection for all meat for interstate commerce.

Antiquities Act

1906

Provided protection legally of cultural and natural resources of historic/scientific interest on federal lands. Established tools for archaeological resource on public lands.

Workers Compensation Act

1908

gave railroad workers compensation for injury. Federal Employers liability act.

Mann-Elkins Act

1910

Made it so that the railroad companies have to demonstrate that a rate was reasonable. The ICC gained most control over rail rates (and rail competition) with these powers.

17th Amendment

1912

Allows direct votes to be cast for U.S. Senators. Before this amendment, senators were chosen by state legislatures.

16th Amendment

1913

This amendment allows Congress to a tax on income from any source. Before this amendment, the Constitution required proportionate direct taxes (to population).

Federal Reserve Act

1913

This act was passed to establish economic stability. It did this by introducing a central bank to oversee monetary policy.

Federal Trade Commission Act

1914

The Congress is empowered to a) prevent unfair methods of competition, b) seek monetary redress, c) prescribe rules defining with specificity acts d) gather, compile info and conduct investigations.

Clayton Antitrust Act

1914

Designed to bolster the Sherman antitrust and outlines:
-price discrimination against competing companies
-conditioning sales on exclusive dealing
-mergers and acquisitions when they may substantially reduce competition
-serving on the board of directors for two competing companies Each of these is designed to prevent monopolistic conduct.

Keating-Owen Act

1916

This act banned sale of any company that used child labor. It banned labor from people under 16 working more than 8 hours a day.

Adamson Act

1916

Established the eight-hour workday. Additional pay for overtime work.

18th Amendment

1919

production, transport, sale of intoxicating beverages illegal. Did not limit consumption of alcohol.

19th Amendment

1920

Women gain the right to vote! The right of citizens of the U.S. to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the U.S. or by any state on account of sex.

Volstead Act

1920

This act is also called The National Prohibition Act. It defined anything that had more than one half of one percent alcohol. It mad it illegal to do anything with these beverages.