To what extent is it fair to say that the American system that allowed spectacular industrial growth and development in the 19th century was fundamentally changed by legislation of the progressive era (1890-1913)?.
During the 19th century, the United States" "laisser faire" regime was used abusively by employers and large corporations. Employees were confronted with dangerous working conditions, low wages, and long hours. Furthermore, trusts and monopolies were jeopardizing the United States" economy at the cost of the American people. Consequently, progressive reformers wanted to solve these problems caused by the brisk and intense industrial growth of the 19th century, which led to what is known as the progressive era that stretched from 1890 to 1913. This period was marked by abundant legislations that were introduced by the six presidents from this period. These legislative changes, though limited, led to fair treatment of workers and meant that the freedom of corporations could not trample upon that of consumers and society.
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Before the progressive era, monopolies in municipal services such as electricity and gas, railroads, and oil companies reached a point where the American population felt overwhelmed and that their own freedom was being abused through the freedom of large corporations. These businesses merged to create cartels, later to become oppressive monopolies. These large corporations, in addition to eliminating their competition and corrupting the economy, saved money by way of child labor, providing dangerous working conditions, and giving employees terrible salaries. This led to discontent and unrest among employees and consumers who felt alienated and abused, which is obviously not the intention of democracy.
Accordingly, progressives searched for antitrust laws to abolish these monopolies. Progressives also supported lower tariffs, graduated income tax, and control over currency.