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The Progressive Era

Decent Essays

The Progressive Era was a period in time in the United States where social activism and political reform was sweeping the nation beginning in the 1890’s all the way to the 1920’s. How did the increase in power of the government during The Progressive Era directly benefit the american citizens? The power of the federal government increased during the progressive era and these changes directly benefited the american citizens. The presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, passed amendments and laws, and the New York Times headline all played a role in this.
Stated in “Theodore Roosevelt Proposes a Law” (1905), “I recommend that a law be enacted to regulate interstate commerce in mislabeled and impure foods, drinks, and drugs. Such a law would protect the proper manufacture and trade, and would secure the health and welfare of the consuming public.”. Also,according to “Meat Inspection Act” (1906), “...it is essential in the public interest that the health and welfare of consumers be protected...so as not to contain poisonous or harmful substances…”. This shows that this law being passed would directly affect and benefit the public because it would ensure their health and the quality of their food. This is also showing that the power of the government increased because they were the ones enforcing this new law. According to the ¨Some Federal Laws of The Progressive Era” chart, the Pure Food and Drug Act “Required manufacturers to list ingredients of food products and outlawed false

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