Progressive Movement

During the Progressive Movement, Americans’ reputation for being the “land of opportunity” was reinforced by the new regulations that were put out by the three progressive presidents. The 19th Amendment, trustbusting, and the creation of the Department of labor are all examples of the regulations that were set to create equal opportunity for all. The regulations created equality amount people and give them the opportunity to pursue their dreams, thus had a positive affect for America for being the “land of opportunity”

            During the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, one of the most significant progressive actions he took was his trustbusting campaign. Although William Taft did eventually surpasses the amount of “busting” Roosevelt did, but he was credited for being the first president to put the Sharman Antitrust Act to practice. The breakup of monopolies and trust in the economy helped small enterprises to establishes. President Roosevelt created opportunity for people to start their own business without worrying about being eaten by the big monopolies and gives the consumers more choices.

            Another progressive milestone made by William Taft is the creation of Department of Labor. Although he was faced with a difficult choose, he did eventually sign the bill in the last several hours of his administration. The Department of Labor helps to enforce the wage and hour standards that were put in place. Workers are protected form being over worked or under paid. This protected the American people from being treated unfairly and taken advantages of by the companies. He also created the Federal Reserve in 1913. It regulated the banking system, determents where the dollar is going to go in the country, and set banking rates. The Department of Labor and the Federal Reserve help the build up the economy and insure the workers are being traded fairly.

            Lastly, the 19th amendment was also another great example that the progressive movement helped America with its reputation of being the “land of opportunity”. The 19th Amendment gives woman the right to vote. This narrowed the disparity between man and woman in the society, and gives woman the same opportunity that man had. This opened the door for woman to take jobs that were usually taken by man and give them a higher chance to be successful.

            The Progressive Movement helped American keep the name for being “the land of opportunity”. Through the 19th Amendment, trustbusting, creation of the Department of Labor and the Federal Reserve. The progressive presidents give the American people equal opportunity to start a life and pursue their dream.