Social Reforms

1. Social Reforms There are many – but they are some of the most fun to discuss!

2. SOCIAL REFORMSThe idea that the government’s powers get expanded, so it could become more active in improving the lives of its citizens (a.k.a. Social Welfare)

3. Social Reform #1 • Safer Food • Government Inspection of Food needed • Proper Labeling • Cleanliness of factories Have you read “The Jungle”? Yuck!

4. Social Reform #2 • Safer Medicines • Restrict Harmful Drugs • Proper Labeling • Government Approval of Future Drugs/Medicines

5. Social Reform #3 Tenement Life • The Over- Crowding of the Cities • Poor Living Conditions • Unsanitary Conditions

6. Social Reform #4 Unsafe Working Conditions/Child Labor • Fewer Hours • Higher Wages • Safer Factories • Unions

7. Social Reform #5 Protection of the Environment • Antiquities Act of 1906 • Allows President to designate National Monuments • Protect and Preserve Wildlife Areas

8. Social Reform #6 Women’s rights • Suffrage (voting) • Owning Property • Divorce • Clothing • Birth Control

9. Social Reform #7 Early Civil Rights Movement African Americans were still fighting for basic rights guaranteed to them in the Constitution

10. Our Progressive Presidents Theodore Roosevelt • Republican • Youngest President • Took office after McKinley was assasinated • Served 1900-1908

11. Our Progressive Presidents William Howard Taft • Republican • Promised to continue TR’s ideas • Tried but lacked TR’s energy • Served 1908-1912

12. Our Progressive Presidents Woodrow Wilson • Former President of Princeton University • Former Governor of NJ • Learning Disabled in reading • Served 1912-1920

13. 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