Reforming the United States 1900-1914

Galveston, TX Reforms Local Government

Jan 31, 1900

A reform innovation, city management by commission, is established in Galveston, Texas.

"Fighting Bob" La Follette Becomes Governor of Wisconsin

Jul 31, 1900

Robert La Follette, more truly a Progressive than Theodore Roosevelt, begins the first of three terms as a reform governor of Wisconsin. He fights for legislation to regulate corporations for the public good, provide for conservation of natural resources, and governance uncorrupted by business influence.

The US Socialist Party is established at Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jul 31, 1901

Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President

Sep 14, 1901

William McKinley is assassinated. He was shot on September 6 in the stomach and died 8 days later.

Workmen's Compensation Laws

Jul 31, 1902

Employer's liability laws for workmen's compensation are passed at the state level from 1902 forward, beginning in Maryland.

Coal Strike

Jul 31, 1902

President Roosevelt interfered in this labor dispute, proving that the federal government would get involved in matters that could negatively affect citizens or the economy of the USA.

Muckraking

Jan 31, 1903

The January issue of McClure's Magazine initiates "muckraking" journalism with articles on municipal government, labor, and trusts (the latter written by Ida M. Tarbell).

Department of Commerce & Labor

Jul 31, 1903

Roosevelt establishes a cabinet-level Department of Commerce and Labor.

Pelican Island, FL

Oct 31, 1903

The first national wildlife refuge, Pelican Island in Florida, is established.

Trust -Busting Precedent

Jul 31, 1904

The prosecution of a a railroad holding company proves successful in Northern Securities Company v. United States, an important "trust-busting" precedent.

The Jungle

Jul 31, 1905

The Socialist weekly magazine Appeal to Reason begins serial publication of author Upton Sinclair's book, The Jungle, which reveals the horrors of the meat packing industry.

Hepburn Act

Jan 31, 1906

The Hepburn Act is passed, which serves to strengthen the Interstate Commerce Commission. This gives the federal government greater control over the railroad companies.

Meat Inspection Act & Pure Food & Drug Act Pass

Jul 31, 1906

The Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act are both passed, a direct consequence of the writings of investigative journalists (the "muckrakers").

Natural Resources Conservation

Jul 31, 1908

Roosevelt appoints a national commission for conserving natural resources.

NAACP is Established

Jul 31, 1909

Race riots in Springfield, Illinois, which lead to the establishment of the NAACP in 1909.

Minimum Wage

Jul 31, 1913

The first US minimum wage law is enforced in Oregon.

Interstate Liquor Act

Jul 31, 1913

By 1900, more than half of the States had become dry. Because the postal service was run by the federal government instead of the state government, liquor could be mail ordered from a wet state. This infuriated the dries and in 1913, the Interstate Liquor Act was passed. This act made it illegal to send liquor to a dry state, closing the only legal means of getting alcohol.

16th Amendment

Dec 31, 1913

The 16th constitutional amendment is approved, authorizing the federal government to collect income taxes.

17th Amendment

Dec 31, 1913

The 17th Constitutional Amendment is adopted, providing for the direct election of senators, rather than by state legislatures.

Federal Trade Commission

Jan 31, 1914

The Federal Trade Commission is established, and begins to function to regulate interstate commerce.

Child Labor Laws

Jul 31, 1914

Many states have minimum-age child labor laws (typically set at 14 years of age); there is as of yet no federal protection.