how did the role of government change in the Progressive era?

The role of government underwent significant changes during the Progressive era in the United States. To understand these changes, one must dive into the historical context and the various progressive reforms that were introduced during this period.

To start, the Progressive era (roughly from the late 19th century to the early 20th century) was characterized by a widespread belief that the government should play a more active role in addressing social, economic, and political issues. A wave of social and political reforms emerged in response to the problems brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and unregulated capitalism.

Now, let's discuss some specific ways in which the role of government transformed during the Progressive era:

1. Economic regulation: Progressive reformers sought to address the abuses of big businesses and monopolies by advocating for greater government regulation. The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, for example, established the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroads and ensure fair rates and practices. Similarly, the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 aimed to limit monopolistic practices.

2. Consumer protection: The Progressives pushed for laws that would protect consumers from unsafe products and fraudulent business practices. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Meat Inspection Act of the same year were enacted to guarantee the safety of food and drugs, leading to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1906.

3. Improving working conditions: Progressive reformers aimed to improve labor conditions by pushing for legislation such as minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations, and limiting working hours. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which resulted in the tragic deaths of many workers, highlighted the need for such reforms.

4. Expanding democracy: Progressives sought to increase direct participation in the political process and limit the influence of political machines and corruption. They pushed for reforms like direct primaries, recall elections, and the introduction of the initiative, referendum, and recall processes, which gave citizens the ability to propose legislation and remove elected officials.

5. Social welfare: Progressives believed that the government had a responsibility to provide a social safety net. This led to the establishment of government programs to help vulnerable populations, such as the creation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 1914 to protect consumers and regulate business practices, as well as the introduction of workers' compensation laws.

In summary, the government's role changed significantly during the Progressive era. It became more involved in regulating the economy, protecting consumers, improving working conditions, expanding democracy, and providing social welfare. These changes were driven by progressive reformers who aimed to address the social, economic, and political challenges brought about by industrialization and urbanization.