A study of

The Progressive Era, 1901- 1917

by Monika Nowicka, Class IB, 2007-2008.

Who introduced the idea of Progressivism and what was its main tenet?

President Roosevelt introduced the idea of Progressivism. Progressivism was a philosophy of political reform which emphasized the goodness and wisdom of individual citizens and distrusted “ special interest” groups such as political parties and business corporations.

Who succeeded Theodore Roosevelt?

Roosevelt’s successor was William Taft, the 27^th President of the United States.

What reforms did President Wilson introduce?

Woodrow Wilson, the 28^th President, had a strong personality and convinced Congress to pass a number of reform bills which included: tariff reform, banking and financial reform, anti- trust laws aimed at preventing the growth of trusts, and expansion of labor rights ( an eight –hour working day). President Wilson’s programme of reforms was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

When did the United States enter World War I?

The United States entered the World War I in 1917. Americans Tried to stay out of the war as long as possible by remaining neutral, but the Germans interfered in free trade between the US and European countries.

Who was General Pershing?

General John Pershing was an officer in the United States. He led the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France.

Why was World War I a period of prosperity for American farmers?

Because during the War the prices for agricultural products rose.

Why did the United States refuse to join the League of Nations?

President Wilson conceived a plan to establish a League of Nations (an international organization which would guarantee peace in the world after the war, but many members of Congress were afraid that this organization would try to control the US foreign policy. As a result, the US never joined the it.

On the basis of

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

by Andrzej Diniejko