what was a result of progressive party's focus on protecting consumers

History · Middle School · Sun Jan 24 2021

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One significant result of the Progressive Party's focus on protecting consumers was the establishment of various consumer protection laws and regulations. During the Progressive Era (late 19th to early 20th century), which gave rise to the Progressive Party, there was a growing concern about the power of big corporations and the need to address issues related to public health, safety, and fairness in the marketplace.

Key results of the Progressive Party's focus on protecting consumers include:

  1. Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): This landmark legislation, inspired by muckraking journalists and activists, aimed to protect consumers from adulterated or misbranded food and drugs. It led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce safety standards.
  2. Meat Inspection Act (1906): In response to concerns raised by Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle," the Meat Inspection Act was enacted to regulate and improve the conditions of the meatpacking industry. It mandated federal inspection of meat products and set standards for sanitation.
  3. Antitrust Legislation: Progressive leaders were also concerned about the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few corporations. Antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914), were passed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices.
  4. Creation of Regulatory Agencies: The Progressive Era saw the establishment of regulatory agencies to oversee industries and protect consumers. Examples include the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to regulate railroads and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent unfair and deceptive business practices.

The Progressive Party, under leaders like Theodore Roosevelt, played a crucial role in advocating for these reforms to address the challenges faced by consumers and to ensure a fair and just marketplace.