The robber barons were large corporations that formed monopolies, like John D. Rockefeller. Rockefeller controlled every aspect of the oil and gas industry. He resorted to unethical practices that drove his competitors out of business. President Roosevelt became aware of this corruption and called on the government to regulate big business. With the increase in immigrants arriving in America and the rise of technological advancements, jobs were hard to find. Many people were unemployed, and those who were employed worked long hours and for low wages. Families often lied about their children's ages so that their children could find employment and contribute to household finances. It was Mary Harris Jones who marched the children from the factories to see the president, to show him how the children were exploited. The president did not see her or the children, but shortly after this demonstration, the legislature passed child labor laws. Additionally, due to the Panic of 1893 and 1907, people felt uneasy about business and political movements. So, as part of President Woodrow Wilson's new plan for freedom, he initiated the Federal Reserve Act of 1903. The economy of the Progressive Era faced many challenges and thus change took hold. continued, big business was regulated, child labor laws took effect, and the Federal Reserve Act was created to ease the minds of the business community.