-
In December, Samuel Gompers had a important role founding the American Federation of Labor, among a numerous labor unions emergint at the time, these unions advocate for better workplace, with more safety and increased wages. -
Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr inaugurate Hull House, a settlement establishment in Chicago, Illinois, offering social assistance to immigrants. -
Jacob Riis, releases "How the Other Half Lives," a photographic compilation showing the hard conditions of poor people that live in New York City. -
Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act, which was the first law to try to stop big companies from controlling too much of the market (monopolies). It aimed to keep competition fair and prevent one company from having too much power. -
In a court case called Plessy v. Ferguson, they said it was okay to keep black and white people separate as long as the places they used were the same. This idea was called "separate but equal." But even though they said things were equal, black people often had much worse places than white people. -
The Spanish-American War takes place, leading to the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines by the United States. -
President William McKinley is killed, and Theodore Roosevelt assumes the presidency. Roosevelt entered office with progressive ideals, aiming to reform various aspects of American society. -
Ida Tarbell started writing a collection of articles and investigative pieces exposing the corrupt business practices of one of the largest trusts in the nation, and she published the "The History of the Standard Oil Company" in 1904.
-
A significant influx of immigrants, totaling over 655 thousand, arrived in the United States. They were inspided by earning money, acquiring land, and forging a fresh start in the new country. -
Another law is created, the Hepburn Act, gives more power to the government to control how railroads work. -
Upton Sinclair told people about problems with how meat was made, and the release of his book "The Jungle" made the congress to create a new law to make sure that food was safe to be consumed, creating the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act on the same day. -
The government started a team called the Bureau of Investigation to make sure everyone followed the federal laws. Later on, it grew into what we now know as the FBI. Their job was to investigate crimes that crossed state lines or were really serious, like fraud or national security issues. Over time, they became super important in fighting different types of crime, like organized crime and terrorism. -
A bunch of people, both Black and White, got together and formed the NAACP. This group wanted to help Black people who were facing a lot of unfair treatment, especially in the South. They used things like going to court and speaking out to fight against things like segregation and violence against Black people. The NAACP played a big role in getting rid of unfair laws and making sure Black people had more equal rights. -
The Triangle shirtwaist factory fire killed 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women, in a crowded and unsafe clothing factory in New York City. This tragic event highlights the harsh conditions that many workers endure in sweatshops. -
A new political group called the Progressive Party was created. Their leader was Theodore Roosevelt, who wanted to become president again. He had plans to change things like allowing women to vote and helping workers have better conditions. -
The Federal Reserve Act was passed. This made a system to control the country's money and banks, helping to keep the economy stable. -
Congress ratifies the 16th amendment to the Constitution of the United States permitting a federal income tax. -
The government made a law called the Clayton Antitrust Act. It was to stop big companies from becoming too powerful and dominating markets, providing a better and fair market to small bussiness and also supported workers union. -
A law called the Keating-Owen Act was passed. It said that products made by children couldn't be sold across different states, this made child labor less comumn in industries. -
The United States joined World War I. This meant the government got more involved in things like the economy to support the war effort. -
The 18th Amendment was passed, making it illegal to make, sell, or transport alcohol. This period is known as Prohibition. -
Congress passes the Nineteenth Amendment, giving all women citizens the right to vote in U.S. elections.