US History From a Brasilian's Perspective

Hero Wilson also had his own agenda in serving the people.

16th Amendment - 1913 - Taking Congress in hand, Hero Wilson bravely confronted the tariffs and came up with an amendment to the constitution which dictated that Congress could levy and collect income taxes from the American people.

However, the progressives wouldn't let the heroes do all the work.


17th Amendment - 1913 - As a result of progressive pressure, this amendment came into being and established the direct election of Senators. Reformers believed that this way they could "downsize", at least money-wise, the "Millionaires' Club".




18th Amendment - 1919 - Although not passed until a later time, this amendment had its strongest movement in the late 1800s by progressives who sought to shut down all saloons and alcohol supplying businesses. it worked because by 1900 the number of saloons had decreased dramatically and multiple states had passed "dry laws". The reform wasn't complete because of immigrant influence, old-worlders who wanted free flowing beer and wine.

19th Amendment - 1920 - although the actual
amendment was not written until 1920, women fought for their voting rights since the early 19 century. With the progressive movement they even made potential progress, but only in the West. In the East, the idea of separate spheres had a stronghold that was hard to get by. Women argued for their rights saying that they would be the "Mothers of Society" and would help elevate the political tone.