Social Reforms

There are many – but they are some of the most fun to discuss!

SOCIAL REFORMS The idea that the government’s

powers get expanded, so it couldbecome more active in improving

the lives of its citizens (a.k.a. Social Welfare)

Social Reform #1

• Safer Food–Government Inspection

of Food needed–Proper Labeling –Cleanliness of factories

Have you read “The Jungle”?

Yuck!

Social Reform #2

• Safer Medicines–Restrict Harmful

Drugs–Proper Labeling –Government

Approval of Future Drugs/Medicines

Tenement LifeTenement Life

The Over- The Over- Crowding Crowding of the of the CitiesCities

Poor Poor Living Living ConditionsConditions

UnsanitarUnsanitary y ConditionsConditions

Social Reform #3

Social Reform #4Unsafe Working Conditions/Child Labor

– Fewer Hours

– Higher Wages

– Safer Factories

– Unions

Social Reform #5Protection of the Environment

– Antiquities Act of 1906» Allows President to designate National

Monuments» Protect and Preserve Wildlife Areas

Social Reform #6

Women’s rights–Suffrage (voting)–Owning Property–Divorce–Clothing–Birth Control

Social Reform #7

Early Civil Rights MovementAfrican Americans were still fighting for basic rights guaranteed to them in the Constitution

Our Progressive Presidents

Theodore Roosevelt

• Republican• Youngest President• Took office after

McKinley was assasinated

• Served 1900-1908

William Howard Taft

• Republican• Promised to

continue TR’s ideas• Tried but lacked

TR’s energy• Served 1908-1912

Our Progressive Presidents

Woodrow Wilson• Former President of

Princeton University• Former Governor of NJ• Learning Disabled in

reading• Served 1912-1920

Our Progressive Presidents

Progressive Constitutional Amendments

• 16th Amendment – Congress can levy income taxes

• 17th Amendment – Direct Election of Senators

• 18th Amendment – Prohibition of Alcohol

• 19th Amendment – Women’s Suffrage