The U.S. Government & The Reformation of America

In the United States, the early 20th century was a time of industrial expansion and progressive reform, otherwise known as the "Progressive Era". During this time, the U.S. government played a critical role in the successful reforming of the american society socially, politically, and economically.
Socially, american citizens wanted to make life better and change certain aspects of society. A group in particular were the muckrakers. Muckrakers were a group of people who came onto the scene in the late 1800's. They spoke out on activities that had negative effects on the public and workers. Such as child labor, monopolies, and corruptions in industry. A well-known muckraker was Upton Sinclair, who wrote the book titled, The Jungle in 1906. His book described the harsh, dangerous conditions in a Chicago meatpackin factoring, and the unsanitary methods that took place there. "Where comment was made to floor superintendents about these matters, it was always the reply that this meat would afterwards be cooked, and that this sterilization would prevent any danger from its use. Even this, it may be pointed out in passing, is not wholly true. A very considerable portion of the meat so handled is sent out as smoked products and in the form of sausages, which are prepared to be eaten without being cooked..." With this reform at city level Sinclair was successful at getting more eyes to look at his side of the street, like those of the President.
After reading Sinclaire's book, President Theodeore Roosevelt passed the Meat Inspection Act of 1906, which gave the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to inspect any meat processing plant in america and report them if the plant was indeed unfit for distribution. After this meat distribution and manufactoring were reformed.
Politically, the government was putting limits on itself (or the process of checks and balances), so to not have too much power. New amendments were released in the 1900's. There was the sixteenth amendment- which limited the Congress' power to levy income taxes based on populations. And the seventeenth amendment, which was the direct elction of senators. A reform which gave the state the power to choose their senators with popular vote.
Economically, the reforms were definitely at federal level. The government had to find a way to pump money back into the economy and get the american people out of poverty. There was the Square Deal, made by President Roosevelt, which assisted the middle-class by enforcing anti-trusts and and helped shield businesses from the demands of labor unions. There was also the Interstate Commerce Commision (ICC), founded by the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which was an effort to regulate industry. Though it did not have a big influence for long.
In conclusion, the U.S. government had a well-played role in the early 20th century, The Progressive Era. American society was put back into motion socially, politically, and economically by its government. The government reformed the workplace, liberties, and wages of the american people.

The Spanish-American War

Before the close of the nineteenth century, America was engaged in war with Spain. Started in 1898, it was known as The Spanish-American War. The main cause of this war was the liberation of Cuba from Spain, who was denying Cuba its freedom. This rejection caused Spain to become America's new enemy, and the starting point of the war from April to August. The U.S. had claimed victories in the Phillipine Islands and Cuba. Cuba in the end was free. Or was it? On Dec. 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed. This document stated that Cuba would be independent from Spain, but put under the "protection"(more like control) of the United States. As Spain evacuated, its spot became filled by the U.S. With this being said, America was not justified in going to war against Spain, because there were no real morals or friendship there for Cuba. America simply wanted what territorial and economic "treats" that Spain had in Cuba.
Strong expanionist sentiments in America made its government start brainstorming plans to obtain Spain's territories over seas. Mainly the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. When Cuba needed help seceding from Spain, well, that was the icing needed for the cake.