Progressive Era and Imperialism, 1900-1920

The period of American history from 1900 to 1920 is the Progressive Era in the nation and the Age of Imperialism in foreign affairs.
And events in Henderson County followed the national trend.
It was a time of inventions. Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the first airplane Dec. 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Henry Ford started producing Model Ts in 1908.
It was a time of social activism and political reform in the nation. There were efforts to reform local and federal government, public education, medicine, finance, insurance, industry, railroads, working conditions of the labor force, health standards for processed foods, and more.
The Progressives strongly supported scientific methods as applied to economics, government, industry, finance, medicine, schooling, theology, education, and even the family. The Federal Reserve System was created in 1913.
The women’s suffrage movement re-awakened and grew to new heights. Protests became increasingly common with parades in major cities. Suffragists were arrested during their “Silent Sentinels” pickets at the White House, the first time such a tactic was used, and were taken as political prisoners. Congress passed the 19th Amendment in 1919 and women could vote in 1920.
The United States emerged as a world economic and military power after the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.
Attention was then turned to the building of the Panama Canal. The canal opened in 1914 and increased trade with Japan, China and the rest of the Far East.
World War I began July 28, 1914, and lasted until Nov. 11, 1918. The League of Nations, forerunner to the United Nations, was founded after the war.
In Henderson County, the majority of people were living on farms and in rural areas in weather-boarded houses and farm houses. There were still some folks living in log cabins.
During this time more and more large homes, boarding houses and inns are built. Mill towns start in three sections of the county.
People in the town of Hendersonville and the mill towns get the first electricity. And the lifestyle of the people begins to change dramatically.

Political Events and Leaders, 1900-1920

Law Enforcement, 1900-1920

Agriculture and Business, 1900-1920

Industry and Mining, 1900-1920

Religion and Health Care, 1900-1920

Education, 1900-1920

Transportation and Communication, 1900-1920

Tourism, 1900-1920

Flood of 1916