The Progressive Era
By Megan Henry
Who Were The Progressives?
Reform
The enfranchisement of women was one of the most important social reforms of the Progressive Era. When the 19th Amendment was ratified by Tennessee in 1920, it was the key event that has led to women becoming more equal to men and in the eyes of the law.
The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 aided in eliminating contaminated foods and addictive drugs off the market. It required truth in labeling, which led to what we see as nutrition labels on most of the items we purchase.
Women's Suffrage
In 1890, the National Women Suffrage Association and the American Women Suffrage Association merge to form the National American Women Suffrage Association (NAWSA). This was important because it united two groups with many conflicts and made the movement stronger.
Progressive Amendments
17th: Provided the direct election of U.S. Senators. This allowed two Senators from each state, elected by the people of that state.
18th: Prohibited the making, selling, or transportation of alcohol. The ratification of the 18th Amendment created an uprise of crimes and illegal activities.
19th: Provided women suffrage. This affected society in many obvious ways- including providing more than half of the country with the right to vote.