Reforms Before and During the Progressive Era

Pacific Railway Acts

Jul 1, 1862

Railroads was very important in industrialization and urbanization because it connected territories and allowed for information and products to be easily spreaded out. This is a series of acts trying to promote the construction of the transcontinental system. It connected Omaha Nebraska to Sacramento California.

American Humane Association

Oct 10, 1877

During this time period of industrialization, many new inventions and technologies were discovered, movies being one of them. This association's goal was to protect animals and make sure no harm comes to them during the production of entertainments such as movies and tv shows.

James Olcott's Speech

Jan 4, 1886

Because of industrializaion and urbanization and the number of factories arising along with it, there is much air and water pollution. Olcott made a sppech to the Agriculture Board of Conneticut urging people to purify and cleanse the waters of New England, This lead to the creation of many boards and associations concerning health.

Hull House

Sep 18, 1889

As an effort to reform the relationship between different social classes, Hull House was established. The Hull House hosted an array artistic, social, and educational activities and programs that hoped to allow different people to bond. It also has afterschool programs for children who weren't forced to work.

National Child Labor Committee (NCLC)

Apr 25, 1904

Children were often forced to work grueling hours and were cruelly beaten during the Industrial Revolution. This organization was founded to exploit the lives of these child laborers. The head of this association hires investigators to reveal the truth to the public.

The Pure Food and Drug Act

Jun 30, 1906

This is an effort to increase health and sanitary conditions of products. This provided meat products with inspection and prohibited contaminated or intoxicated products from being sold.

The Meat Inspection Act of 1906

Jun 30, 1906

The purpose of this act was to help reform and improve the sanitary conditions of meat processing plant. It allowed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to inspect and manage meat products that are to be consumed. It also permits the Secretary of Agriculture to condemn all meat products that are deemed unsuitable to be eaten.

NAACP

Feb 12, 1909

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People or NAACP was founded by W.E. Debois, an Harvard graduate. His goal was educate the colored people so that they can assimilate into white society. With their new found knowledge, it would be easier to ask for equal treatment in comparison to the white people.

Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

Sep 1, 1916

Industralization increased the number of factories and with it the need for workers. As a reform to limit the use of child workers, this act prohibited the sale of products that used child labor.

Volstead Act

Oct 28, 1919

In this time period of mass urbanization, many saloons and bars were opened. This act attempts to reform the use of intoxicating liquor by prohibiting the manufacturing, selling, and consumption of alcohol.