Protecting Workers in the Progressive Era

During the Progressive Era, workers finally got, from President Wilson, the protection from big business that they deserved decades before, with the La Folette Seaman's Act of 1915 and the Worker's Compensation Act of 1915.

The La Folette Seaman's Act required that decent treatment and a living wage be given to American sailors, who had previously been brutally treated.


The Worker's Compensation Act granted assistance to federal civil-service employees during periods of disability. Both acts also granted Wilson the enmity of businesspeople, and the gratitude of the working class and the progressives.