Progressive Era

Jim Crow Laws

1870

The start of mandated racial segregation amongst American citizens which will unfold into civil unrest in the 1960s.

Rise of KKK

1880

White supremacy terrorist group was founded shortly after the Civil War. committed violent acts of crime to people of color, gypsies, and many other minorities.

Tuskegee Institute

Jul 4, 1881

First all-black university meant to promote education and learning for minorities within the segregated country. Known for being a symbol of civil rights and equal learning opportunities in America.

Chinese Exclusion Act

May 6, 1882

This act restricted Chinese immigrants from coming to the United States for ten years.

Interstate Commerce Act

Apr 7, 1887

This act was designed to regulate the railroad industry and its monopolistic practices. The act required railroad rates to be "just and reasonable".

Jane Addams- Hull House

Sep 18, 1889

Jane Addams set up the Hull House to provide a center for higher social lives and improve the conditions of the industrial districts of Chicago. This home for group living housed several young, working women who needed a place to stay along with helping others in the community.

Sherman Antitrust Act

Jul 2, 1890

This act made the rule of free competition among people buying and selling products.

Plessy V. Ferguson

Apr 13, 1896

This law allowed for "separate but equal" for white and colored races.

Booker T. Washington

1900

Booker was an American educator, author, orator, and advisor to several US presidents. He was a dominant figure in leading the African-American community.

Teddy Roosevelt's - Square Deal

1901

Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president, reflected his three major goals. These goals were; the conservation of natural resources control of corporations, and consumer protection and were referred to as the "three C's" of the square deal.

McKinley Assassinated

Sep 14, 1901

McKinley was the 25th US president who was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz.

Coal Miner Stike

1902

Miners struck for higher wages and shorter workdays by threatening to shut down winter fuel supply to major cities.

The Jungle Published

Nov 4, 1905

This book was published to expose terrible and unsanitary working conditions in American factories.

Federal Meat Inspection Act

1906

This act made it illegal to adulterate or misbrand meat being sold as food. It also ensured that meat was being slaughtered in sanitary conditions.

Roosevelt - Antiquities Act

Jun 8, 1906

This act was put in place to help protect important Federal lands.

Food & Drug Act

Jun 23, 1906

After "The Jungle" the government passed a law that protected consumers from unsafe drugs and foods.

Taft Wins

1908

William Taft won the Presidential election over William Jennings Bryan.

NAACP formed

Feb 12, 1909

National Association for the Advancement of the colored people was founded. A nonprofit organization with the intention of promoting black American rights and innovations within civil rights.

Muckrackers

1910

These were reform-minded journalists who exposed corruption in established institutions.

Triangle Shirtwaist fire

Mar 25, 1911

This event was one of the most deadly industrial disasters in history. This tragedy brought attention to the dangerous conditions of factories which eventually led to the development of better safety laws.

17th Amendment

May 13, 1912

This amendment allowed voters to cast direct votes to senators.

16th Amendment

Mar 3, 1913

The 16th Amendment established the right for a federal income tax to be paid.

Clayton Antitrust Act

Nov 8, 1913

Safeguards the right to protest or unionize strikes. Prevents companies from taking that right.

Federal Reserve Act

Dec 23, 1913

Creation of the Federal Reserve. A central bank system was implemented after the abolishment of the gold standard.

The Birth of a National Movie

1915

The film portrays the Civil War with both dramatic and battle scenes and tells the story of two families on either side of the Mason-Dixon line. This film was considered a "revolution in American movie-going" because it was the first of its kind in many ways.

Wilson Election

1916

Democrat Woodrow Wilson was elected the 28th president of the United States and won by a landslide.

18th Amendment

Dec 18, 1918

Established the short-lived prohibition of alcohol. Later will be revised in a future amendment.

W.E.B. Dubois

1920

Debois played a big role in creating the NAACP and was an American sociologist, socialist, historian, and civil rights activist.

19th Amendment

Aug 18, 1920

Established the right to vote no matter the sex. Grants women the undeniable right to vote.