The United States and Mexico sign the Mexican Farm Labor Program agreement, launching the Bracero Program to import temporary agricultural workers during World War II labor shortages. The program, which operates from 1942 to 1964, becomes the largest guest worker program in U.S. history with 4.6 …
U.S. Department of LaborMexican governmentAgricultural employersRailroad companiesimmigration-policylabor-exploitationwage-suppressioncorporate-capturehuman-rights
Throughout the 1910s, as women’s suffrage gained momentum following state victories in the West and increasing militant activism in the East, multiple corporate interests mobilized systematic opposition to protect their economic interests from potential voter-supported reforms. The liquor …
Liquor IndustryTextile ManufacturersRailroad CompaniesNational Association Opposed to Woman Suffragewomens-suffragecorporate-oppositioninstitutional-resistanceeconomic-interestsanti-democratic-forces
On June 29, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Hepburn Act into law after a month of conference committee reconciliation, with the Senate passing it 71-3 and the House by substantial margin. The Act fundamentally strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission, giving it power to set …
Theodore RooseveltRepresentative William HepburnInterstate Commerce CommissionRailroad companiesU.S. Congressrailroad-regulationregulatory-enforcementprogressive-erainstitutional-expansioncorporate-power
On February 19, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Elkins Act, which made it a federal misdemeanor for railroads to grant rebates or preferential rates and held both the carrier and the recipient liable. The Act was sponsored by Senator Stephen B. Elkins of West Virginia and introduced in …
Theodore RooseveltSenator Stephen B. ElkinsInterstate Commerce CommissionPennsylvania RailroadRailroad companiesantitrustrailroad-regulationprogressive-eraregulatory-enforcement
On May 12, 1902, 147,000 anthracite coal miners in eastern Pennsylvania, organized by the United Mine Workers under President John Mitchell, went on strike after railroad companies that owned the mines refused to meet with union representatives. The miners demanded better wages, shorter work weeks …
United Mine WorkersJohn MitchellTheodore RooseveltRailroad companiesCoal mine operatorslabor-rightsprogressive-eracorporate-powerfederal-intervention
Alabama Governor Robert Patton authorizes convict leasing, declaring that Black prisoners “should feel the hardship of labor in iron and coal mines” rather than mere confinement. The state begins leasing prisoners to private companies that pay monthly fees while providing minimal food, …
Robert Patton (Alabama Governor)Alabama State LegislatureCoal Mining CompaniesRailroad Companiesprison-industrial-complexsystematic-corruptioninstitutional-captureracial-injustice