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Samuel Gompers founds the American Federation of Labor
A union of skilled workers, one of many unions that fought for workers to improve wages and working conditions for factory workers and businesses. This led way for additional unions that fought for their workers which included 8 hour work days and abolish child labor. -
Sherman Act was passed as the first antitrust law.
This act was passed by Congress to prohibit companies from merging to form monopolies specifically for railroad and the steel industry. This act helped regulate Big business. -
Assassination of President McKinley, Vice President Roosevelt becomes President.
Roosevelt supported progressive reform in many ways. He supported government regulations on the railroad industry and he helped protect consumers by expanding government oversight. He also expanded land for National Parks and Forests with emphasis on managing natural resources to sustain growth. He advocated for ordinary people. -
16th Amendment was Ratified
The 16th Amendment created the federal income tax which played a role in building the American federal government and this has now become the source of revenue for the American government. -
17th Amendment was Ratified
The 17th Amendment changed the election on how Senators were elected. Instead of being appointed, Senators are now elected by voters of each state as the people were dissatisfied with the corruption that came from the legislative election. -
Federal Reserve Act is Passed
The Federal Reserve Act created the 12 regional banks along with the Federal Board. This became the central banking system of the United States. This is still in effect today. -
Clayton Act was passed
This was an amendment to the Sherman Antitrust Act which defined unethical practices by businesses such as price fixing and also upheld various labor rights. This act prohibited companies from preventing things like strikes. This assisted labor unions to negotiate better benefits and wages. -
Federal Trade Commission Act
Federal Trade Commission Act was passed which enforced antitrust laws to protect consumers. This included investigating false advertisement, fraud issues, inquiries on congressional issues and pre-merger notification. -
The Eighteenth Amendment is passed
This Amendment banned manufacturing, sale, and transport of alcohol. This was in efforts to reduce and eliminate alcohol abuse. -
Nineteenth Amendment is passed
This amendment gave women who were citizens of the United States the right to vote in local, state and federal elections. This amendment dramatically changed the face of the American electorate. This also assisted moving women closer to equality in all aspects