11. Progressive reform aimed to address social and economic issues by advocating for government intervention, social justice, and improved working conditions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
12. Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, known for his conservation efforts, creating national parks, forests, and monuments, significantly expanding protected lands in the U.S.
13. The Declaration of Independence asserts that individuals are endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, reflecting the concept of natural rights.
14. Black Codes were post-Civil War laws restricting the rights of African Americans, while Jim Crow Laws, enacted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enforced racial segregation and discrimination.
15. Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry during the early 20th century, leading to public outcry and subsequent food safety legislation.
11. Purpose of Progressive Reform: The Progressive Era, from the late 19th to early 20th century, aimed to address social and political issues caused by rapid industrialization. Progressive reforms sought to curb the power of big business, improve working conditions, address corruption in government, and promote social justice. Key goals included women's suffrage, labor rights, and the regulation of monopolies to create a fairer and more equitable society.
12. Theodore Roosevelt and Land Impact: Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. president, was a prominent Progressive leader. His impact on land is evident in his conservation efforts, establishing national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges. Roosevelt's presidency saw the creation of the United States Forest Service and the Antiquities Act, emphasizing environmental conservation and the responsible use of natural resources.
13. Declaration of Independence and Natural Rights: The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, asserts that individuals have unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This reflects the concept of natural rights, suggesting that these rights are inherent and not granted by government. The document argues that government exists to secure these rights and derives its power from the consent of the governed.
14. Black Codes & Jim Crow Laws: Black Codes were laws enacted in the post-Civil War Southern states to restrict the rights and freedoms of African Americans, perpetuating a system similar to slavery. Jim Crow Laws, prevalent from the late 19th to mid-20th century, enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, institutionalizing discrimination in public facilities, transportation, and education. Both sets of laws aimed to maintain racial hierarchy and suppress the economic and social progress of African Americans.
15. Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle": Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" (1906) exposed the unsanitary and exploitative conditions in the meatpacking industry. While Sinclair intended to highlight the plight of workers, the public's response focused on the unsanitary practices in the food industry. The novel led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, establishing the basis for food safety regulations in the United States and highlighting the power of literature to inspire social and legislative change.