Lessons from the Progressive Era Amendments.
The progressive era was a period that experienced significant economic, political, and social reforms in the United States. It occurred in the first two decades of the 20th century, roughly from 1900 to 1920. The emergence of colonials in the 1800s brought about the industrial revolution in America. As a result, millions of people flocked into the city in search of jobs. Cities became the breeding sites for diseases, crimes, and poverty.
On the other hand, the wealthy industrialists mistreated their employees by underpaying them and further using the money to bribe politicians so that they could get what they wanted at the expense of the Americans. At that time, political machinery became the controllers of the local and national politics. Corruption became very rampant. Activists began pushing for economic, political, and social reforms in the country. Congress passed four different amendments that came to change the constitution of the United States. These amendments came to be ratified by various states, thus changing American life.
The 16th amendment was based on the income tax and according to the population of the state. The government established the amount of money they required to collect from the people each year and compared it to the state’s people. For instance, if the total population of a state like new yolk was 5% of the entire country’s population. Then, she was supposed to contribute 5% of the national income tax. Given that many Americans were farmers, they struggled to pay their taxes, especially when their crops failed. As a result, the 16th amendment was passed and abolished apportionment. It created a direct income tax where one would contribute based on the income they made in that year.
The 17th amendment introduced the direct election of American senators. Before this amendment, it’s only the house of a representative where people elected members (state legislators) only. The state legislators would vote, then two senators represent the state. Corruption became rampant in the election of senators. Many state legislators could not agree on whom to elect. Some states went for months and years without representation in congress. In 1913, congress passed an amendment that required the direct election of senators through popular votes.
The 18th amendment banned the sale and use of alcohol in America. It took effect in 1919. However, it was a massive failure because people found other ways of acquiring and drinking alcohol. The amendment was primarily championed by religious activists who blamed alcohol for violence and other vices in American society. On the other hand, the 19th amendment granted American women the right to vote, better known as “women’s suffrage.” Various conventions by women activists raised public awareness and pushed the government to grant voting rights to women. After a prolonged battle, they finally attained victory through the passage of the 19th amendment.