Progressive Era Legacy
Prepare a PowerPoint Presentation on the Legacy of the Progressive Era. Using resources from the Topic 6 Readings, including your textbook, materials provided by your instructor through class discussion, and materials from the GCU Library Guide for HIS-144 US History Themes, prepare your PowerPoint with the following areas of focus: Regulation of Business, Greater Democracy, Conservationism, the Rise of Professionalism, and Prohibition. The PowerPoint should be five to six slides (a minimum of one for each area) and include slide notes of 100-200 words for each. Additionally, include a title, introduction, and reference slide(s), which do not count toward the five to six slide totals. Each response should show good writing mechanics, grammar, formatting, and proper citations at the end of each question/response.
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What was the impact of Progressive Era business regulation? -
How did the Progressive Era expand democracy?,
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What role did conservationism play in this period?,
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How did professionalism rise during the Progressive Era?,
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What were the causes and consequences of Prohibition?
Progressive Era Legacy
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Early 20th-century movement
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Aimed to address problems of industrialization, urbanization, and corruption
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Lasting influence on American governance and society
Slide Notes (100–200 words):
The Progressive Era (1890s–1920s) was a time of widespread social, political, and economic reform in response to the excesses of the Gilded Age. Progressives sought to use government action to correct injustices and improve the lives of average Americans. The movement tackled issues such as monopolistic business practices, poor working conditions, political corruption, environmental degradation, and social vices. Reformers included journalists, politicians, middle-class citizens, and emerging professionals. Their work resulted in major shifts in how American society functioned, setting precedents for future reform movements. This presentation explores five key areas influenced by the Progressive Era: the regulation of business, expansion of democracy, conservationism, professionalism, and Prohibition.
🟦 Slide 3: Regulation of Business
Slide Text:
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Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) & Clayton Act (1914)
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Creation of FTC in 1914
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Breakup of monopolies (e.g., Standard Oil)
Slide Notes:
One of the hallmark achievements of the Progressive Era was the regulation of big business. Progressive reformers viewed unchecked corporate power as a threat to democratic governance and fair competition. Antitrust legislation like the Sherman Act and later the Clayton Act was designed to dismantle monopolies and prevent abusive practices. President Theodore Roosevelt, known as a “trust buster,” actively pursued cases against large corporations such as Standard Oil and Northern Securities. The creation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) institutionalized federal oversight of trade practices, protecting consumers and promoting fair competition. These efforts set the foundation for modern regulatory frameworks in the U.S. economy.
Progressive Era Legacy