Progressive Era

Progress cannot be made for social justice, until the voices of the oppressed; women and all laborers, were heard. During the progressive era, the unheard and oppressed population of women and laborers progressed from the laws and legislations made in order to ensure the safety, health, and rights of these individuals.

The progression of laws and legislations regarding the safety and health of the oppressed, was very important for the progress in social justice. This assured the safety and health of women and laborers. Progress would not have taken place without the fight of rights, through protests, strikes, and the help of journalists publicizing these extremely hazardous working conditions. There was not much compensation, if any, for those who were injured or killed while at work, “When a man was killed on the job, there was only one chance in five that the company would ever have to pay compensation to his survivors” explains the U.S Department of Labor. This negatively affects the women, and their children who began working at a young age, in order to help support their family due to “a wage that spells bare existence and untimely death” (Proclamation of the Striking Textile Workers of Lawrence). Showing the progression, states began taking action regarding these safety and health issues by passing laws and legislations. Sanitation acts began to take place in Illinois. Wisconsin limited working hours for Women and Children to prevent the possibilities of malnourishment and injuries. The same year, Wisconsin became first state to pass “Workman's Compensation Legislation” in 1911. This provided compensation for work related injuries and illnesses. This legislation was eventually followed by almost every other State. One year later, Massachusetts passes the first state minimum wage. Oregon started to require overtime for laborers working over ten hours a day in 1913. These actions taken on by the states proves the progress in social justice because the elimination of unsafe working conditions, low wages, and long hours.

Without the progression of rights of especially women, and of labors, we would not be where we are today. This was a very important time for the gain of social justice for women. Women came together discussing the current issues being faced with “The first gathering devoted to women’s rights in the United States was held July 19–20, 1848, in Seneca Falls, New York” according to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the leading figures during the early women's rights movement. Many years later, formed the “National Woman Suffrage Association” (NWSA) in 1869, in pursuit of equality for humankind. Married women did not have the right to own their wages or any property- including children, until 1870. The Married Women’s Property Act started paving the way to equality, and protected exploitation of women. Many of the Women's Suffrage