The Progressive Era, the years between 1890 and 1914, constitute one of the great eras in the in the annals of American reform. Progressivism developed as a doctrine dealing with the far reaching impact of industrialization on the American society. The issues the confronting the society included monopolistic policies and practices of big business, the abuses of rapidly expanding railroad systems, the changing status of the labor force, which was be transformed from skilled artisans into factory workers, the plight of farmers, as the price for their goods and services steadily declined and the demanding problems brought on by the tremendous growth of the cities.

During this period progressive reformers from every walk of society endeavored to make government organization and processes on all levels--federal, state and local more democratic and to foster legislation that would directly benefit the people economically and socially. By 1912 virtually all political parties espoused one or another crusade for reform. This burst of reform sentiment as disrupted by World War I.

1900
Robert LaFollette the most famous of the progressive governors is elected to the first of terms. During his administrations Lafollette established stricter controls over railroads and public utilities and imposed higher taxes on railroads and other corporations. Restrictions were placed on lobbyists and a merit system was created in state employment. LaFollete supported a workman's compensation law as well as legislation regulating standards of health and safety in factories.

1901

President McKinley is shot by an anarchist at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo New York, His wounds are fatal..

Timeline pages: 1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  |  7 | 8 | 9 |10 | 11 | 12 |